0000912057-01-535913.txt : 20011026
0000912057-01-535913.hdr.sgml : 20011026
ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000912057-01-535913
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 497
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1
FILED AS OF DATE: 20011018
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD SERIES FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001053425
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-45431
FILM NUMBER: 1761761
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 8602976443
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD STOCK HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000045941
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 060941188
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-57609
FILM NUMBER: 1761762
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2036838214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 SIMSBURY
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19830202
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HVA STOCK FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD SMALL CO HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001006414
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-01551
FILM NUMBER: 1761763
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: ITT HARTFORD GROUP INC
STREET 2: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06115
BUSINESS PHONE: 8008626668
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
STREET 2: ITT HARTFORD GROU INC
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD MORTGAGE SECURITIES HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000756930
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 060974148
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-94211
FILM NUMBER: 1761764
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFIRD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 HOPMEADOW ST
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD GNMA MORTGAGE FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931013
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD GNMA MORTGAGE SECURITIES FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931102
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HVA GNMA FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19870304
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD MONEY MARKET HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000714500
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 061078658
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-81648
FILM NUMBER: 1761765
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: PO BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD MIDCAP HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001037716
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-25253
FILM NUMBER: 1761766
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: HARTFORD PLZ
STREET 2: PO BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 8605472883
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: HARTFORD PLZ
STREET 2: PO BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD MIDCAP FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19970414
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000861503
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 060974148
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-33756
FILM NUMBER: 1761767
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: PO BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 HOPMEADOW ST
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD INDEX HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000811086
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 060974148
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-12278
FILM NUMBER: 1761768
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 HOPMEADOW ST
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 0606089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD INDEX FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL ADVISERS HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000931417
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 060974148
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-84950
FILM NUMBER: 1761769
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: C/O HARTFORD INSURANCE CO.
STREET 2: 200 HOPMEADOW STREET
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: C/O HARTFORD INSURANCE CO.
STREET 2: 200 HOPMEADOW STREET
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL ADVISERS FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950522
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD DIVIDEND & GROWTH HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000915770
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 060974148
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 033-72572
FILM NUMBER: 1761770
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P.O. BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438984
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 HOPMEADOW ST
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD DIVIDEND & GROWTH FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931206
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD CAPITAL APPRECIATION HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000741565
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 222481744
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-89794
FILM NUMBER: 1761771
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 HOPMEADOW ST
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND INC /CT/
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940428
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19960423
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HVA AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND INC/MA/
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD BOND HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000714502
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 061078748
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-81650
FILM NUMBER: 1761772
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O BOX 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 HOPMEADOW
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD BOND DEBT SECURITIES FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931102
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD BOND FUND INC /CT/
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19980601
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HVA FIXED INCOME FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19881120
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD ADVISORS HLS FUND INC
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000714499
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 061078749
STATE OF INCORPORATION: MD
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT: 1933 Act
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-81647
FILM NUMBER: 1761773
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: P O B0X 2999
CITY: HARTFORD
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06104-2999
BUSINESS PHONE: 2038438214
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: 200 HOPMEADOW ST
CITY: SIMSBURY
STATE: CT
ZIP: 06089
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD ADVISERS HLS FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20000804
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HARTFORD ADVISORS FUND INC /CT/
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19940603
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HVA ADVISERS FUND INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
497
1
a2060830z497.txt
497
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HARTFORD CAPITAL APPRECIATION HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD DIVIDEND AND GROWTH HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD INDEX HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD MIDCAP HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD SMALL COMPANY HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD STOCK HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD ADVISERS HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD GLOBAL ADVISERS HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD BOND HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD MORTGAGE SECURITIES HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD MONEY MARKET HLS FUND, INC.
HARTFORD SERIES FUND, INC.
INCLUDING:
HARTFORD GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS HLS FUND
HARTFORD GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES HLS FUND
HARTFORD GLOBAL HEALTH HLS FUND
HARTFORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY HLS FUND
HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL APPRECIATION HLS FUND
HARTFORD VALUE HLS FUND
HARTFORD INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY HLS FUND
HARTFORD MIDCAP VALUE HLS FUND
HARTFORD FOCUS HLS FUND
HARTFORD FOCUS GROWTH HLS FUND
HARTFORD GROWTH HLS FUND
HARTFORD GLOBAL LEADERS HLS FUND
HARTFORD GROWTH AND INCOME HLS FUND
HARTFORD HIGH YIELD HLS FUND
CLASS IA and CLASS IB SHARES
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus
but should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses. To obtain a free copy
of any of the prospectuses or another SAI, send a written request to: Hartford
HLS Funds, c/o Individual Annuity Services, P.O. Box 5085, Hartford, CT
06102-5085 or call 1-800-862-6668.
Date of Prospectuses: May 1, 2001
Date of Statement of Additional Information: May 1, 2001, as revised
October 18, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
GENERAL INFORMATION 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES 2
MANAGEMENT OF THE HLS FUNDS 14
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS 18
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE 22
HLS FUND EXPENSES 24
HLS FUND ADMINISTRATION 25
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS 26
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE 27
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES 28
SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS 28
OWNERSHIP AND CAPITALIZATION OF THE HLS FUNDS 28
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE 29
TAXES 36
CUSTODIAN 39
TRANSFER AGENT 39
DISTRIBUTOR 39
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 40
OTHER INFORMATION 40
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 40
APPENDIX A 41
GENERAL INFORMATION
This SAI relates to twenty-six mutual funds (each a "HLS Fund" and
together the "HLS Funds") which serve as the underlying investment vehicles for
variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts of Hartford Life
Insurance Company and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company and for
certain qualified retirement plans. (As of the date of this SAI, Focus Growth
HLS Fund and Growth HLS Fund are not yet available.) Each HLS Fund offers two
classes of shares: Class IA and Class IB. HL Investment Advisors, LLC ("HL
Advisors") is the investment adviser and Hartford Life Insurance Company
("Hartford Life") is the administrator of each HLS Fund. HL Advisors and
Hartford Life are indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial
Services Group, Inc., ("The Hartford") an insurance holding company with over
$171.5 billion in assets. In addition, Wellington Management Company, LLP
("Wellington Management") and Hartford Investment Management Company
("HIMCO(R)"), an affiliate of HL Advisors, are sub-advisers to certain of the
HLS Funds. HIMCO is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hartford. The Hartford also
sponsors a family of mutual funds that is offered directly to the public.
Hartford Investment Financial Services, LLC ("HIFSCO"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The Hartford, is the investment manager and principal underwriter
to that fund family.
The Global Health HLS Fund, Global Technology HLS Fund, Global Leaders
HLS Fund, Growth and Income HLS Fund, High Yield HLS Fund, Global Communications
HLS Fund, Global Financial Services HLS Fund, Growth HLS Fund, Focus HLS Fund,
Focus Growth HLS Fund, International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund,
International Small Company HLS Fund, Value HLS Fund and MidCap Value HLS Fund
are investment portfolios (series) of Hartford Series Fund, Inc., a Maryland
corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") as an
open-end management investment company. Hartford Series Fund, Inc. issues a
separate series of shares of common stock for each Fund representing a
fractional undivided interest in the Fund. Each such series of shares is
subdivided into two classes, Class IA and IB.
Each of the other HLS Funds is a separate Maryland corporation
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an open-end management
investment company. The Funds that are each separate corporations also issue
common stock in the same two classes (Class IA and Class IB). The board of
directors may reclassify authorized shares to increase or decrease the
allocation of shares in each HLS Fund. The board of directors is also
authorized, from time to time and without further shareholder approval, to
authorize additional shares of each HLS Fund.
The year of each HLS Fund's organization is as follows:
Stock HLS Fund 1977
Bond HLS Fund 1977
Money Market HLS Fund 1980
Advisers HLS Fund 1983
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund 1983
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund 1985
Index HLS Fund 1987
International Opportunities HLS Fund 1990
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund 1994
Global Advisers HLS Fund 1995
Small Company HLS Fund 1996
MidCap HLS Fund 1997
Global Leaders HLS Fund 1998
Growth and Income HLS Fund 1998
High Yield HLS Fund 1998
Global Health HLS Fund 2000
Global Technology HLS Fund 2000
Global Communications HLS Fund 2000
1
Global Financial Services HLS Fund 2000
Growth HLS Fund 2000
Focus HLS Fund 2000
International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund 2001
International Small Company HLS Fund 2001
Value HLS Fund 2001
MidCap Value HLS Fund 2001
Focus Growth HLS Fund 2001
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
A. FUNDAMENTAL RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS
Each HLS Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment
restrictions which may not be changed without approval of a majority of the
applicable HLS Fund's outstanding voting securities. Under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), and as used in the prospectuses and this
SAI, a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" means the approval of the
lesser of (1) the holders of 67% or more of the shares of an HLS Fund
represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares of the HLS Fund are present in person or by proxy, or (2) the holders of
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the HLS Fund.
The investment objective and principal investment strategies of each
HLS Fund are set forth in the prospectuses. Set forth below are the fundamental
investment restrictions and policies applicable to each HLS Fund followed by the
principal non-fundamental restrictions and policies applicable to each HLS Fund.
For purposes of the fundamental investment restrictions, the Funds are
divided into two groups: Group A and Group B.
GROUP A GROUP B
------- -------
Global Health HLS Fund Global Communications HLS Fund
Global Technology HLS Fund Global Financial Services HLS Fund
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund Focus HLS Fund
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund Growth HLS Fund
Global Leaders HLS Fund Value HLS Fund
Growth and Income HLS Fund MidCap Value HLS Fund
Index HLS Fund International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund
International Opportunities HLS Fund International Small Company HLS Fund
MidCap HLS Fund Focus Growth HLS Fund
Small Company HLS Fund
Stock HLS Fund
Advisers HLS Fund
Global Advisers HLS Fund
Bond HLS Fund
High Yield HLS Fund
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund
Money Market HLS Fund
2
Each Group A HLS Fund may not:
1. Issue senior securities.
2. Borrow money, except from banks and then only if immediately after
each such borrowing there is asset coverage of at least 300% as defined in the
1940 Act.
Each Group B HLS Fund may not:
1. Issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
applicable law.
2. Borrow money, except (a) the HLS Fund may borrow from banks (as
defined in the 1940 Act) and through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up
to 33.33% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), (b) the HLS Fund
may, to the extent permitted by applicable law, borrow up to an additional 5% of
its total assets for temporary purposes, (c) the HLS Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales
of portfolio securities, (d) the HLS Fund may purchase securities on margin to
the extent permitted by applicable law and (e) the HLS Fund may engage in
transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted for as financings.
Each HLS Fund may not:
3. Invest 25% or more of its total assets in the securities of one or
more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry
(excluding the U.S. Government or any or its agencies or instrumentalities).
This restriction does not apply to the Global Health HLS Fund, Global Technology
HLS Fund, Global Communications HLS Fund or Global Financial Services HLS Fund.
Nevertheless, the Global Health Fund normally invests at least 25% of its total
assets, in the aggregate, in the following industries: pharmaceuticals, medical
products, and health services. Likewise, the Global Technology Fund normally
invests at least 25% of its total assets, in the aggregate, in the following
industries: computers and computer equipment, software and computer services,
electronics, and communications equipment.
4. Make loans, except through (a) the purchase of debt obligations in
accordance with the HLS Fund's investment objective and policies, (b) repurchase
agreements with banks, brokers, dealers and other financial institutions, and
(c) loans of cash or securities as permitted by applicable law.
5. Underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that
the sale of portfolio securities by the HLS Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriting.
6. Purchase or sell real estate, except that an HLS Fund may (a)
acquire or lease office space for its own use, (b) invest in securities of
issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (E.G., real estate
investment trusts) (c) invest in securities that are secured by real estate or
interests therein, (d) purchase and sell mortgage-related securities, (e) hold
and sell real estate acquired by the HLS Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities and (f) invest in real estate limited partnerships.
7. Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that the HLS
Fund may invest in currency and financial instruments and contracts that are
commodities or commodity contracts.
8. With respect to 75% of a HLS Fund's total assets, except the Global
Health HLS Fund, Global Technology HLS Fund, Global Communications HLS Fund,
Global Financial Services HLS Fund and Focus HLS Fund, purchase securities of an
issuer (other than cash, cash items or securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities), if
3
(a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the HLS Fund's total
assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities
of such issuer; or
(b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the
HLS Fund.
Except for the limitations on borrowing from banks, if the above
percentage restrictions are adhered to at the time of investment, a later
increase or decrease in such percentage resulting from a change in values of
securities or amount of net assets is not a violation of any of the foregoing
restrictions.
B. NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS.
The following restrictions are designated as non-fundamental and may be
changed by the Board of Directors without the approval of shareholders.
Each HLS Fund may not:
1. Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent
required to secure permitted borrowings. This investment restriction shall not
apply to any required segregated account, securities lending arrangements or
other assets in escrow and collateral arrangements with respect to margin for
futures contracts and related options.
2. Purchase any securities on margin (except that a HLS Fund may obtain
such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and
sales of portfolio securities). The deposit or payment by a HLS Fund of initial
or maintenance margin in connection with futures contracts or related options
transactions is not considered the purchase of a security on margin.
3. Purchase securities while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of a HLS
Fund's total assets.
4. Sell securities short or maintain a short position except for short
sales against the box.
5. Invest more than 20% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of foreign issuers (30% for High Yield HLS Fund and Bond HLS Fund)
and non-dollar securities (10% for High Yield HLS Fund and Bond HLS Fund). This
policy does not apply to the Money Market HLS Fund or to Funds with the words
GLOBAL or INTERNATIONAL in their name.
6. Acquire any security that is not readily marketable if more than 15%
of the net assets of the HLS Fund (10% for the Money Market HLS Fund) taken at
market value, would be invested in such securities.
7. Enter into a stock index futures contract (by exercise of any option
or otherwise) or acquire any options thereon, if immediately thereafter, the
total of the initial margin deposits required with respect to all open futures
positions, at the time such positions were established, plus the sum of the
premiums paid for all unexpired options on stock index futures contracts would
exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.
If the above percentage restrictions are adhered to at the time of
investment, a later increase or decrease in such percentage resulting from a
change in values of securities or amount of net assets is not a violation of any
of the foregoing restrictions.
4
C. TAX RESTRICTIONS OF THE FUNDS
Each HLS Fund must:
1. Maintain its assets so that, at the close of each quarter of
its taxable year,
(a) at least 50 percent of the fair market value of its total
assets is comprised of cash, cash items, U.S. Government
securities, securities of other regulated investment companies
and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to
no more than 5 percent of the fair market value of the HLS
Fund's total assets and 10 percent of the outstanding voting
securities of such issuer,
(b) no more than 25 percent of the fair market value of its total
assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other
than U.S. Government securities and securities of other
regulated investment companies) or of two or more issuers
controlled by the HLS Fund and engaged in the same, similar,
or related trades or businesses.
2. Maintain its assets so that it is adequately diversified
within the meaning of Section 817(h) of the Internal Revenue Code and
regulations thereunder. Generally, this means that at the close of each calendar
quarter, or within 30 days thereafter,
(a) no more than 55% of the value of the assets in the fund is
represented by any one investment,
(b) no more than 70% of the value of the assets in the fund is
represented by any two investments,
(c) no more than 80% of the value of the assets in the fund is
represented by any three investments, and
(d) no more than 90% of the value of the total assets of the fund
is represented by any four investments. In determining whether
the diversification standards are met, each U.S. Government
agency or instrumentality shall be treated as a separate
issuer.
D. MISCELLANEOUS INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The investment objective and principal investment strategies for each
HLS Fund are discussed in the HLS Fund's prospectus. A further description of
certain investment strategies of each HLS Fund is set forth below. The
percentage limits described in the sections below are based on market value and
are determined as of the time of investment.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS AND TEMPORARY INVESTMENT STRATEGIES In
addition to the Money Market HLS Fund, which may hold cash and invest in money
market instruments at any time, all other HLS Funds may hold cash and invest in
high quality money market instruments under appropriate circumstances as
determined by HIMCO or Wellington Management, subject to the overall supervision
of HL Advisors. The HLS Funds may invest up to 100% of their assets in cash or
money market instruments only for temporary defensive purposes.
Money market instruments include: (1) banker's acceptances; (2)
obligations of governments (whether U.S. or non-U.S.) and their agencies and
instrumentalities; (3) short-term corporate obligations, including commercial
paper, notes, and bonds; (4) other short-term debt obligations; (5) obligations
of U.S. banks, non-U.S. branches of U.S. banks (Eurodollars), U.S. branches and
agencies of non-U.S. banks (Yankee dollars), and non-U.S. branches of non-U.S.
banks; (6) asset-backed securities; and (7) repurchase agreements.
5
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS A repurchase agreement is an agreement by which
the seller of a security agrees to repurchase the security sold at a mutually
agreed upon time and price. It may also be viewed as the loan of money by an HLS
Fund to the seller. The resale price by the HLS Fund would be in excess of the
purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon market interest rate.
Each HLS Fund is permitted to enter into fully collateralized
repurchase agreements. The HLS Fund's board of directors has delegated to HIMCO
and Wellington Management the responsibility of evaluating the creditworthiness
of the banks and securities dealers with which the HLS Funds will engage in
repurchase agreements.
HIMCO or Wellington Management will monitor such transactions to ensure
that the value of underlying collateral will be at least equal at all times to
the total amount of the repurchase obligation, including the accrued interest.
If the seller defaults, the HLS Fund could realize a loss on the sale of the
underlying security to the extent that the proceeds of sale including accrued
interest are less than the resale price provided in the agreement including
interest.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS Each HLS Fund may also enter into reverse
repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements involve sales by an HLS
Fund of portfolio assets concurrently with an agreement by an HLS Fund to
repurchase the same assets at a later date at a fixed price. Reverse repurchase
agreements carry the risk that the market value of the securities which an HLS
Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price. A
reverse repurchase agreement is viewed as a collateralized borrowing by an HLS
Fund. Borrowing magnifies the potential for gain or loss on the portfolio
securities of an HLS Fund and, therefore, increases the possibility of
fluctuation in an HLS Fund's net asset value. An HLS Fund will establish a
segregated account with the HLS Fund's custodian bank in which an HLS Fund will
maintain liquid assets equal in value to an HLS Fund's obligations in respect of
reverse repurchase agreements.
DEBT SECURITIES Each HLS Fund is permitted to invest in debt securities
including: (1) securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by
the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (2) non-convertible debt
securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. corporations or other issuers (including
foreign issuers); (3) asset-backed securities (Global Health HLS Fund, Global
Technology HLS Fund, International Opportunities HLS Fund, Global Advisers HLS
Fund, Advisers HLS Fund, Bond HLS Fund, High Yield HLS Fund, Mortgage Securities
HLS Fund and Money Market HLS Fund only); (4) mortgage-related securities,
including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMO's") (International
Opportunities HLS Fund, Global Advisers HLS Fund, Advisers HLS Fund, Bond HLS
Fund, High Yield HLS Fund and Mortgage Securities HLS Fund only); and (5)
securities issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by a foreign
government or one of its agencies or political subdivisions, supranational
entities such as development banks, non-U.S. corporations, banks or bank holding
companies, or other foreign issuers.
INVESTMENT GRADE DEBT SECURITIES The Money Market HLS Fund is permitted
to invest only in high quality, short term instruments as determined by Rule
2a-7 under the 1940 Act. Each of the other HLS Funds is permitted to invest in
debt securities rated within the four highest rating categories (E.G., Aaa, Aa,
A or Baa by Moody's or AAA, AA, A or BBB by S&P) (or, if unrated, securities of
comparable quality as determined by HIMCO or Wellington Management). These
securities are generally referred to as "investment grade securities." Each
rating category has within it different gradations or sub-categories. If an HLS
Fund is authorized to invest in a certain rating category, the HLS Fund is also
permitted to invest in any of the sub-categories or gradations within that
rating category. If a security is downgraded to a rating category which does not
qualify for investment, HIMCO or Wellington Management will use its discretion
on whether to hold or sell based upon its opinion on the best method to maximize
value for shareholders over the long term. Debt securities carrying the fourth
highest rating (E.G., "Baa" by Moody's and "BBB" by S&P), and unrated securities
of comparable quality (as determined by HIMCO or Wellington Management) are
viewed to have adequate capacity for payment of principal and interest, but do
involve a higher degree of risk than that associated with investments in debt
securities in the higher rating categories and such securities lack outstanding
investment characteristics and do have speculative characteristics.
6
HIGH YIELD-HIGH RISK SECURITIES Certain of the HLS Funds are permitted
to invest up to 5%, and the Global Advisers HLS Fund is permitted to invest up
to 15%, of its total assets in securities rated as low as "C" by Moody's or "CC"
by S&P or of comparable quality if not rated. The Bond HLS Fund is permitted to
invest up to 20% of its assets in securities rated in the highest level below
investment grade (E.G., "Ba" for Moody's or "BB" by S&P), or if unrated,
securities determined to be of comparable quality by HIMCO. Although the High
Yield HLS Fund is permitted to invest up to 100% of its total assets in
securities rated below investment grade, no more than 10% of its total assets
will be invested in securities rated below B3 by Moody's or B- by S&P, or if
unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by HIMCO.
Securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as
"high yield-high risk securities" or "junk bonds". Each rating category has
within it different gradations or sub-categories. For instance the "Ba" rating
for Moody's includes "Ba3", "Ba2" and "Ba1". Likewise the S&P rating category of
"BB" includes "BB+", "BB" and "BB-". If an HLS Fund is authorized to invest in a
certain rating category, the HLS Fund is also permitted to invest in any of the
sub-categories or gradations within that rating category. Securities in the
highest category below investment grade are considered to be of poor standing
and predominantly speculative. Descriptions of the debt securities ratings
system, including their speculative characteristics attributable to each ratings
category, are set forth as an appendix to this SAI. These securities are
considered speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and
repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations. Accordingly, it
is possible that these types of factors could, in certain instances, reduce the
value of securities held by an HLS Fund with a commensurate effect on the value
of an HLS Fund's shares. If a security is downgraded to a rating category which
does not qualify for investment, HIMCO or Wellington Management will use its
discretion on whether to hold or sell based upon its opinion on the best method
to maximize value for shareholders over the long term.
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES The mortgage-related securities in which
the International Opportunities HLS Fund, Global Advisers HLS Fund, Advisers HLS
Fund, Bond HLS Fund, High Yield HLS Fund and Mortgage Securities HLS Fund may
invest include interests in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as
savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others.
Pools of mortgage loans are assembled for sale to investors (such as the HLS
Funds) by various governmental, government-related and private organizations.
These HLS Funds may also invest in similar mortgage-related securities which
provide funds for multi-family residences or commercial real estate properties.
The value of these securities may be significantly affected by interest
rates, the market's perception of the issuers and the creditworthiness of the
parties involved. These securities may also be subject to prepayment risk. The
yield characteristics of the mortgage securities differ from those of
traditional debt securities. Among the major differences are that interest and
principal payments are made more frequently on mortgage securities, usually
monthly, and that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying
mortgage loans or other assets generally permit prepayment at any time.
Evaluating the risks associated with prepayment and determining the rate at
which prepayment is influenced by a variety of economic, geographic,
demographic, social and other factors including interest rate levels, changes in
housing needs, net equity built by mortgagors in the mortgaged properties, job
transfers, and unemployment rates. If an HLS Fund purchases these securities at
a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce yield to
maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the
opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity. Conversely, if an HLS Fund
purchases these securities at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will
increase, while slower than expected prepayments will reduce, yield to maturity.
Amounts available for reinvestment are likely to be greater during a period of
declining interest rates and, as a result, are likely to be reinvested at lower
interest rates than during a period of declining interest rates and, as a
result, are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than during a period
of rising interest rates. Accelerated prepayments on securities purchased by an
HLS Fund at a premium also impose a risk of loss of principal because the
premium may not have been fully amortized at the time the principal is repaid in
full.
The mortgage securities in which an HLS Fund invests differ from
conventional bonds in that principal is paid back over the life of the mortgage
securities rather than at maturity. As a result, the holder of the mortgage
7
securities (E.G., an HLS Fund) receives monthly scheduled payments of principal
and interest, and may receive unscheduled principal payments representing
prepayments on the underlying mortgages. When the holder reinvests the payments
and any unscheduled prepayments of principal it receives, it may receive a rate
of interest which is lower than the rate on the existing mortgage securities.
For this reason, mortgage securities are less effective than other types of U.S.
Government securities as a means of "locking in" long-term interest rates.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES Certain HLS Funds may invest in asset-backed
securities. The securitization techniques used for asset-backed securities are
similar to those used for mortgage-related securities. The collateral for these
securities has included home equity loans, automobile and credit card
receivables, boat loans, computer leases, airplane leases, mobile home loans,
recreational vehicle loans and hospital accounts receivables. These HLS Funds
may invest in these and other types of asset-backed securities that may be
developed in the future. These securities may be subject to the risk of
prepayment or default. The ability of an issuer of asset-backed securities to
enforce its security interest in the underlying securities may be limited.
EQUITY SECURITIES Each HLS Fund except the Bond HLS Fund and High Yield
HLS Fund as described below and except the Mortgage Securities HLS Fund and
Money Market HLS Fund may invest all or a portion of their assets in equity
securities (which include common stock, preferred stock, securities convertible
into common stock and warrants or rights to acquire common or preferred stock).
In addition, these HLS Funds may invest in securities such as bonds, debentures
and corporate notes which are convertible into common stock at the option of the
holder. The Bond HLS Fund and High Yield HLS Fund may each invest up to 15% of
its total assets in preferred stocks, convertible securities, and securities
carrying warrants to purchase equity securities. The Bond HLS Fund and High
Yield HLS Fund will not invest in common stocks directly, but may retain, for
reasonable periods of time, common stocks acquired upon conversion of debt
securities or upon exercise of warrants acquired with debt securities.
SMALL CAPITALIZATION SECURITIES All HLS Funds except the Mortgage
Securities HLS Fund and Money Market HLS Fund may invest in equity securities
(including securities issued in initial public offerings) of companies with
smaller market capitalizations. Because the issuers of small capitalization
securities tend to be smaller or less well-established companies, they may have
limited product lines, market share or financial resources, may have less
historical data with respect to operations and management and may be more
dependent on a limited number of key employees. As a result, Small
capitalization securities are often less marketable and experience a higher
level of price volatility than securities of larger or more well-established
companies. Small capitalization securities may be more likely to be offered in
initial public offerings. Because securities issued in initial public offerings
are being offered to the public for the first time, the market for such
securities may be inefficient and less liquid.
FOREIGN ISSUERS AND NON-DOLLAR SECURITIES Foreign issuers include (1)
Companies organized outside of the United States, and (2) foreign governments
and agencies or instrumentalities of foreign governments. Non-dollar securities
are securities denominated or quoted in foreign currency or paying income in
foreign currency.
Many of the HLS Funds are permitted to invest a portion of their assets
in securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities, including American
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"). ADRs are
certificates issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and represent the right to
receive securities of a foreign issuer deposited in a domestic bank or non-U.S.
branch of a U.S. bank. ADRs are traded on a U.S. securities exchange, or in an
over-the-counter market, and are denominated in U.S. dollars. GDRs are
certificates issued globally and evidence a similar ownership arrangement. GDRs
are traded on foreign securities exchanges and are denominated in foreign
currencies. The value of an ADR or a GDR will fluctuate with the value of the
underlying security, will reflect any changes in exchange rates and otherwise
will involve risks associated with investing in foreign securities. When
selecting securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities, HIMCO or
Wellington Management will evaluate the economic and political climate and the
principal securities markets of the country in which an issuer is located.
8
The Growth HLS Fund, Focus Growth HLS Fund, Value HLS Fund, and MidCap
Value HLS Fund are permitted to invest up to 20% of their total assets in the
securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities. The Global Health HLS
Fund, Global Technology HLS Fund Global Communications HLS Fund, Global
Financial Services HLS Fund, International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund,
International Small Company HLS Fund, International Opportunities HLS Fund, and
Global Advisers HLS Fund may invest all of their assets in such securities.
The Capital Appreciation HLS Fund, Dividend and Growth HLS Fund, Growth
and Income HLS Fund, Small Company HLS Fund, MidCap HLS Fund, Stock HLS Fund and
Advisers HLS Fund are permitted to invest up to 20% of their total assets in
foreign issuers. The Money Market HLS Fund may invest up to 25% of its total
assets (provided such assets are U.S. dollar denominated), the High Yield HLS
Fund and Bond HLS Fund are permitted to invest up to 30% of their total assets
in foreign issuers. Each of the High Yield HLS Fund and Bond HLS Fund may also
invest up to 10% of their total assets in non-dollar securities.
The Global Leaders HLS Fund invests in at least five countries, one of
which may be the United States; however, the fund has no limit on the amount of
assets that must be invested in each country. The Global Health HLS Fund and
Global Technology HLS Fund each invest in at least three countries, one of which
may be the United States; however, the funds have no limit on the amount of
assets that must be invested in each country. Under normal circumstances, the
International Capital Appreciation Fund invests in at least five countries; the
International Small Company Fund invests in at least ten. The Global Health HLS
Fund and Global Technology HLS Fund may invest in securities denominated in any
currency.
Investing in securities of foreign issuers involves considerations and
potential risks not typically associated with investing in obligations issued by
U.S. issuers. Less information may be available about foreign issuers compared
with U.S. issuers. For example, foreign issuers generally are not subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other
regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S.
issuers. In addition, the values of non-dollar securities are affected by
changes in currency rates or exchange control regulations, restrictions or
prohibition on the repatriation of foreign currencies, application of foreign
tax laws, including withholding taxes, changes in government administration or
economic or monetary policy (in the U.S. or outside the U.S.) or changed
circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs are also incurred in connection
with conversions between various currencies.
Investing in foreign government debt securities exposes an HLS Fund to
the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in
the developing and emerging countries that issue the securities. The ability and
willingness of sovereign obligors in developing and emerging countries or the
government authorities that control repayment of their external debt to pay
principal and interest on such debt when due may depend on general economic and
political conditions within the relevant country. Countries such as those in
which the HLS Funds may invest have historically experienced, and may continue
to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate trade
difficulties and unemployment. Some of these countries are also characterized by
political uncertainty or instability. Additional factors which may influence the
ability or willingness to service debt include, but are not limited to, a
country's cash flow situation, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange
on the date a payment is due, the relative size of its debt service burden to
the economy as a whole, and its government's policy towards the IMF, the World
Bank and other international agencies.
From time to time, certain of the HLS Funds may invest in securities of
issuers located in countries with emerging economies or securities markets.
Compared to the United States and other developed countries, developing
countries may have relatively unstable governments, economies based on only a
few industries, and securities markets that are less liquid and trade a small
number of securities. Prices on these exchanges tend to be volatile and, in the
past, securities in these countries have offered greater potential for gain (as
well as loss) than securities of companies located in developed countries.
9
CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS Each HLS Fund, except the Index HLS Fund,
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund and Money Market HLS Fund, may engage in currency
transactions to hedge the value of portfolio securities denominated in
particular currencies against fluctuations in relative value. Currency
transactions include forward currency contracts, currency swaps, exchange-listed
and over-the-counter ("OTC") currency futures contracts and options thereon and
exchange listed and OTC options on currencies.
Forward currency contracts involve a privately negotiated obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed
number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a
price set at the time of the contract. Currency swaps are agreements to exchange
cash flows based ON the notional difference between or among two or more
currencies. See "Swap Agreements."
The use of currency transactions to protect the value of an HLS Fund's
assets against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate potential
losses arising from fluctuations in the value of the HLS Fund's underlying
securities. Further, the HLS Funds may enter into currency transactions only
with counterparties that HIMCO or Wellington Management deems to be
creditworthy.
The HLS Funds may also enter into options and futures contracts
relative to foreign currency to hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency
rates. See "Options and Futures Contracts" for a discussion of risk factors
relating to foreign currency transactions including options and futures
contracts related thereto.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS In seeking to protect against the effect
of changes in equity market values, currency exchange rates or interest rates
that are adverse to the present or prospective position of the HLS Funds, for
cash flow management, and, to a lesser extent, to enhance returns, each HLS
Fund, except the Money Market HLS Fund, may employ certain hedging, income
enhancement and risk management techniques, including the purchase and sale of
options, futures and options on futures involving equity and debt securities and
foreign currencies, aggregates of equity and debt securities, indices of prices
of equity and debt securities and other financial indices. An HLS Fund's ability
to engage in these practices may be limited by tax considerations and certain
other legal considerations.
An HLS Fund may write covered options and purchase put and call options
on individual securities as a partial hedge against an adverse movement in the
security and in circumstances consistent with the objective and policies of the
HLS Fund. This strategy limits potential capital appreciation in the portfolio
securities subject to the put or call option.
The HLS Funds may also write covered put and call options and purchase
put and call options on foreign currencies to hedge against the risk of foreign
exchange fluctuations on foreign securities the particular HLS Fund holds in its
portfolio or that it intends to purchase. For example, if an HLS Fund enters
into a contract to purchase securities denominated in foreign currency, it could
effectively establish the maximum U.S. dollar cost of the securities by
purchasing call options on that foreign currency. Similarly, if an HLS Fund held
securities denominated in a foreign currency and anticipated a decline in the
value of that currency against the U.S. dollar, the HLS Fund could hedge against
such a decline by purchasing a put option on the foreign currency involved.
Aggregates are composites of equity or debt securities that are not
tied to a commonly known index. An index is a measure of the value of a group of
securities or other interests. An index assigns relative values to the
securities included in that index, and the index fluctuates with changes in the
market value of those securities. An HLS Fund may purchase put and call options
and write covered put and call options on aggregates of equity and debt
securities, and may enter into futures contracts and options thereon for the
purchase or sale of aggregates of equity and debt securities, indices of equity
and debt securities and other financial indices, all for the purpose of
protecting against potential changes in the market value of portfolio securities
or in interest rates.
An HLS Fund may only write covered options. "Covered" means that, so
long as an HLS Fund is obligated as the writer of a call option on particular
securities or currency, it will own either the underlying
10
securities or currency or an option to purchase the same underlying securities
or currency having an expiration date not earlier than the expiration date of
the covered option and an exercise price equal to or less than the exercise
price of the covered option, or will establish or maintain with its custodian
for the term of the option a segregated account consisting of liquid assets
having a value equal to the fluctuating market value of the optioned securities
or currencies.
To hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates, an HLS Fund
may purchase or sell foreign currency futures contracts, and write put and call
options and purchase put and call options on such futures contracts. For
example, an HLS Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts when it
anticipates a general weakening of the foreign currency exchange rate that could
adversely affect the market values of the HLS Fund's non-dollar securities
holdings. In this case, the sale of futures contracts on the underlying currency
may reduce the risk of a reduction in market value caused by foreign currency
variations and, by so doing, provide an alternative to the liquidation of
securities positions in the HLS Fund and resulting transaction costs. When the
HLS Fund anticipates a significant foreign exchange rate increase while
intending to invest in a non-dollar security, the HLS Fund may purchase a
foreign currency futures contract to hedge or partially hedge against a rise in
foreign exchange rates pending completion of the anticipated transaction. Such a
purchase of a futures contract would serve as a temporary measure to protect the
HLS Fund against any rise in the foreign exchange rate that may add additional
costs to acquiring the non-dollar security position. The HLS Fund similarly may
use futures contracts on equity and debt securities to hedge against
fluctuations in the value of securities it owns or expects to acquire.
The HLS Funds also may purchase call or put options on foreign currency
futures contracts to obtain a fixed foreign exchange rate at limited risk. An
HLS Fund may purchase a call option on a foreign currency futures contract to
hedge against a rise in the foreign exchange rate while intending to invest in a
non-dollar security of the same currency. An HLS Fund may purchase put options
on foreign currency futures contracts to hedge against a decline in the foreign
exchange rate or the value of its non-dollar securities. An HLS Fund may write a
call option on a foreign currency futures contract as a partial hedge against
the effects of declining foreign exchange rates on the value of non-dollar
securities and in circumstances consistent with an HLS Fund's investment
objectives and policies.
Options on indices are settled in cash, not in delivery of securities.
The exercising holder of an index option receives, instead of a security, cash
equal to the difference between the closing price of the securities index and
the exercise price of the option. When an HLS Fund writes a covered option on an
index, an HLS Fund will be required to deposit and maintain with a custodian
liquid assets equal in value to the aggregate exercise price of a put or call
option pursuant to the requirements and the rules of the applicable exchange.
If, at the close of business on any day, the market value of the deposited
securities falls below the contract price, the HLS Fund will deposit with the
custodian liquid assets equal in value to the deficiency.
To the extent that an HLS Fund enters into futures contracts, options
on futures contracts and options on foreign currencies that are traded on an
exchange regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), in
each case that are not for "BONA FIDE hedging" purposes (as defined by
regulations of the CFTC), the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to
establish those positions may not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the HLS
Fund's portfolio, after taking into account the unrealized profits and
unrealized losses on any such contracts the HLS Fund has entered into. However,
options which are currently exercisable may be excluded in computing the 5%
limit.
Although any one HLS Fund may not employ all or any of the foregoing
strategies, its use of options, futures and options thereon and forward currency
contracts (as described under "Currency Transactions") would involve certain
investment risks and transaction costs to which it might not be subject were
such strategies not employed. Such risks include: (1) dependence on the ability
of HIMCO or Wellington Management to predict movements in the prices of
individual securities, fluctuations in the general securities markets or market
sections and movements in interest rates and currency markets; (2) imperfect
correlation between movements in the price of the securities or currencies
hedged or used for cover; (3) the fact that skills and techniques needed to
trade options,
11
futures contracts and options thereon or to use forward currency contracts are
different from those needed to select the securities in which an HLS Fund
invests; (4) lack of assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular option, futures contract, option thereon or forward contract at any
particular time, which may affect an HLS Fund's ability to establish or close
out a position; (5) possible impediments to effective portfolio management or
the ability to meet current obligations caused by the segregation of a large
percentage of an HLS Fund's assets to cover its obligations; and (6) the
possible need to defer closing out certain options, futures contracts, options
thereon and forward contracts in order to continue to qualify as a "regulated
investment company" for tax purposes. In the event that the anticipated change
in the price of the securities or currencies that are the subject of such a
strategy does not occur, it may be that an HLS Fund would have been in a better
position had it not used such a strategy.
SWAP AGREEMENTS Each HLS Fund, except the Index HLS Fund and Money
Market HLS Fund, may enter into interest rate swaps, currency swaps, and other
types of swap agreements such as caps, collars, and floors. In a typical
interest rate swap, one party agrees to make regular payments equal to a
floating interest rate multiplied by a "notional principal amount," in return
for payments equal to a fixed rate multiplied by the same amount, for a
specified period of time. If a swap agreement provides for payments in different
currencies, the parties might agree to exchange the notional principal amount as
well. Swaps may also depend on other prices or rates, such as the value of an
index or mortgage prepayment rates.
In a typical cap or floor agreement, one party agrees to make payments
only under specified circumstances, usually in return for payment of a fee by
the other party. For example, the buyer of an interest rate cap obtains the
right to receive payments to the extent that a specified interest rate exceeds
an agreed-upon level, while the seller of an interest rate floor is obligated to
make payments to the extent that a specified interest rate falls below an
agreed-upon level. An interest rate collar combines elements of buying a cap and
selling a floor.
Swap agreements will tend to shift an HLS Fund's investment exposure
from one type of investment to another. For example, if an HLS Fund agreed to
exchange floating rate payments for fixed rate payments, the swap agreement
would tend to decrease the HLS Fund's exposure to rising interest rates. Caps
and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Depending on how
they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility
of an HLS Fund's investments and its share price and yield.
The HLS Funds will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net
basis. The net amount of the excess, if any, of an HLS Fund's obligations over
its entitlement with respect to each interest rate swap will be covered by an
amount consisting of liquid assets having an aggregate net asset value at least
equal to the accrued excess maintained by the HLS Fund's custodian in a
segregated account. If an HLS Fund enters into a swap on other than a net basis,
the HLS Fund will maintain in the segregated account the full amount of the HLS
Fund's obligations under each such swap. The HLS Fund may enter into swaps,
caps, collars and floors with member banks of the Federal Reserve System,
members of the New York Stock Exchange or other entities determined by HIMCO or
Wellington Management to be creditworthy. If a default occurs by the other party
to such transaction, an HLS Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the
agreements related to the transaction but such remedies may be subject to
bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect such HLS Fund's rights as a
creditor.
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large
number of banks and financial services firms acting both as principals and as
agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market
has become relatively liquid. Caps, collars and floors are more recent
innovations and they are less liquid than swaps. There can be no assurance,
however, that an HLS Fund will be able to enter into interest rate swaps or to
purchase interest rate caps, collars or floors at prices or on terms HIMCO or
Wellington Management, as appropriate, believes are advantageous to such HLS
Fund. In addition, although the terms of interest rate swaps, caps, collars and
floors may provide for termination, there can be no assurance that an HLS Fund
will be able to terminate an interest rate swap or to sell or offset interest
rate caps, collars or floors that it has purchased. Interest rate swaps, caps,
collars and floors are considered by the SEC to be illiquid.
12
The successful utilization of hedging and risk management transactions
requires skills different from those needed in the selection of an HLS Fund's
portfolio securities and depends on HIMCO's or Wellington Management's ability
to predict correctly the direction and degree of movements in interest rates.
Although the HLS Funds believe that use of the hedging and risk management
techniques described above will benefit the HLS Funds, if HIMCO's or Wellington
Management's judgment about the direction or extent of the movement in interest
rates is incorrect, an HLS Fund's overall performance would be worse than if it
had not entered into any such transactions. For example, if an HLS Fund had
purchased an interest rate swap or an interest rate floor to hedge against its
expectation that interest rates would decline but instead interest rates rose,
such HLS Fund would lose part or all of the benefit of the increased payments it
would receive as a result of the rising interest rates because it would have to
pay amounts to its counterparties under the swap agreement or would have paid
the purchase price of the interest rate floor.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS Each HLS Fund is permitted to
invest in illiquid securities or other investments. An HLS Fund will not,
however, acquire illiquid securities or investments if 15% of its net assets
(10% for the Money Market HLS Fund) would consist of such securities or other
investments. "Illiquid" securities or investments are those that cannot be sold
or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at
approximately the price used to determine a HLS Fund's net asset value. An HLS
Fund may not be able to sell illiquid securities or other investments when HIMCO
or Wellington Management considers it desirable to do so or may have to sell
such securities or investments at a price that is lower than the price that
could be obtained if the securities or investments were more liquid. A sale of
illiquid securities or other investments may require more time and may result in
higher dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of those
that are liquid. Illiquid securities and investments also may be more difficult
to value due to the unavailability of reliable market quotations for such
securities or investments, and investment in them may have an adverse impact on
net asset value. Each HLS Fund may purchase certain restricted securities (known
as Rule 144A securities) that can be resold to institutions and which may be
determined to be liquid pursuant to policies and guidelines of the board of
directors.
Under current interpretations of the SEC staff, the following types of
securities are considered illiquid: (1) repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days; (2) certain restricted securities (securities whose public
resale is subject to legal or contractual restrictions); (3) options, with
respect to specific securities, not traded on a national securities exchange
that are not readily marketable; and (4) any other securities or investments
that are not readily marketable.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES Each HLS Fund is permitted
to purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis.
When-issued or delayed-delivery transactions arise when securities are purchased
or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure
what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering
into the transaction. While the HLS Funds generally purchase securities on a
when-issued basis with the intention of acquiring the securities, the HLS Funds
may sell the securities before the settlement date if HIMCO or Wellington
Management deems it advisable. At the time an HLS Fund makes the commitment to
purchase securities on a when-issued basis, the HLS Fund will record the
transaction and thereafter reflect the value, each day, of such security in
determining the net asset value of the HLS Fund. At the time of delivery of the
securities, the value may be more or less than the purchase price. An HLS Fund
will maintain, in a segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or
greater than the HLS Fund's purchase commitments; likewise an HLS Fund will
segregate securities sold on a delayed-delivery basis.
OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES Each HLS Fund, except the Index HLS Fund, is
permitted to invest in other investment companies. The investment companies in
which an HLS Fund would invest may or may not be registered under the 1940 Act.
Securities in certain countries are currently accessible to the HLS Funds only
through such investments. The investment in other investment companies is
limited in amount by the 1940 Act, and will involve the indirect payment of a
portion of the expenses, including advisory fees, of such other investment
companies. Generally, an HLS Fund will not purchase a security of an investment
company if, as a result, (1) more than 10% of the HLS Fund's assets would be
invested in securities of other investment companies, (2) such
13
purchase would result in more than 3% of the total outstanding voting securities
of any one such investment company being held by the HLS Fund; or (3) more than
5% of the HLS Fund's assets would be invested in any one such investment
company.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES Each of the HLS Funds may lend its
portfolio securities to broker/dealers and other institutions as a means of
earning interest income. The borrower will be required to deposit as collateral,
cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or other high quality liquid
debt securities that at all times will be at least equal to 100% of the market
value of the loaned securities and such amount will be maintained in a
segregated account of the respective HLS Fund. While the securities are on loan
the borrower will pay the HLS Fund any income accruing thereon.
Delays or losses could result if a borrower of portfolio securities
becomes bankrupt or defaults on its obligation to return the loaned securities.
The HLS Funds may lend securities only if: (1) each loan is fully secured by
appropriate collateral at all times; and (2) the value of all loaned securities
of any HLS Fund is not more than 33.33% of the HLS Fund's total assets taken at
the time of the loan (including collateral received in connection with any
loans).
MANAGEMENT OF THE HLS FUNDS
The business of each HLS Fund is managed by a Board of Directors, who
elect officers who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the HLS
Funds and who execute policies formulated by the directors. The directors and
officers of the HLS Fund and their principal business occupations for the last
five years are set forth below. Those directors who are deemed to be "interested
persons" of the HLS Fund, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act are indicated
by an asterisk next to their respective names.
POSITION
HELD WITH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS HELD
NAME, ADDRESS, AGE THE HLS FUNDS DURING LAST 5 YEARS
------------------------------------------------------ -------------- ------------------------------------------------------
WINIFRED ELLEN COLEMAN (age 68) Director Ms. Coleman has served as President of Saint Joseph
27 Buckingham Lane College since 1991. She is a Director of LeMoyne
West Hartford, CT 06117 College, St. Francis Hospital, Connecticut Higher
Education Student Loan Administration, and The National
Conference (Greater Hartford Board of Directors).
WILLIAM ATCHISON O'NEILL (age 70) Director The Honorable William A. O'Neill served as Governor of
Box 360 the State of Connecticut from 1980 until 1991. He is
East Hampton, CT 06424 presently retired.
MILLARD HANDLEY PRYOR, JR. (age 68) Director Mr. Pryor has served as Managing Director of Pryor &
695 Bloomfield Avenue Clark Company (real estate investment), Hartford,
Bloomfield, CT 06002 Connecticut, since June, 1992. He served as Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of Corcap, Inc. from
1988-1992. In addition, Mr. Pryor is a Director of
Pryor & Clark Company, Corcap, Inc., the Wiremold
Company, Hoosier Magnetics, Inc., Infodata Systems,
Inc. and Pacific Scientific Corporation.
14
POSITION
HELD WITH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS HELD
NAME, ADDRESS, AGE THE HLS FUNDS DURING LAST 5 YEARS
------------------------------------------------------ -------------- ------------------------------------------------------
LOWNDES ANDREW SMITH* (age 61) Director and Mr. Smith has served as Vice Chairman of Hartford
P.O. Box 2999 Chairman Financial Services Group, Inc. since February, 1997, as
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 President and Chief Executive Officer of Hartford Life,
Inc. since February, 1997, and as President and Chief
Operating Officer of The Hartford Life Insurance
Companies since January, 1989. He was formerly Senior
Vice President and Group Comptroller of The Hartford
Insurance Group from 1987-1989. He has been a Director
of Connecticut Children's Medical Center since 1993, a
Director of American Counsel of Life Insurance from
1993-1996 and 1998-present, and a Director of Insurance
Marketplace Standards Association from 1996 to present.
Mr. Smith is also President and a Director of HIFSCO
and HL Advisors.
JOHN KELLEY SPRINGER (age 69) Director Mr. Springer currently serves as Chairman of Medspan,
225 Asylum Avenue Inc. (health maintenance organization). From 1986 to
Hartford, CT 06103 1997 he served as Chief Executive Officer of
Connecticut Health System, Inc. Formerly, he served as
the Chief Executive Officer of Hartford Hospital,
Hartford, Connecticut (June, 1976 - August, 1989). He
is also a Director of Hartford Hospital, and CHS
Insurance Ltd. (Chairman).
DAVID M. ZNAMIEROWSKI* (age 40) President Mr. Znamierowski currently serves as Senior Vice
55 Farmington Avenue and Director President, Chief Investment Officer and Director of
Hartford, CT 06105 Investment Strategy for Hartford Life, Inc. Mr.
Znamierowski previously was Vice President, Investment
Strategy and Policy with Aetna Life & Casualty Company
from 1991 to 1996 and held several positions including
Vice President, Corporate Finance with Salomon Brothers
from 1986 to 1991. Mr. Znamierowski is also a Director
and Senior Vice President of HIFSCO and a Managing
Member and Senior Vice President of HL Advisors.
PETER CUMMINS (age 63) Vice Mr. Cummins has served as Senior Vice President since
P. O. Box 2999 President 1997 and Vice President since 1989 of sales and
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 marketing of the Investment Products Division of
Hartford Life Insurance Company. He is also a Director
and Senior Vice President of HIFSCO and a Managing
Member and Senior Vice President of HL Advisors.
15
POSITION
HELD WITH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS HELD
NAME, ADDRESS, AGE THE HLS FUNDS DURING LAST 5 YEARS
------------------------------------------------------ -------------- -------------------------------------------------------
STEPHEN T. JOYCE (age 42) Vice Mr. Joyce currently serves as Senior Vice President and
P. O. Box 2999 President director of investment products management for Hartford
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 Life Insurance Company. Previously he served as Vice
President (1997-1999) and Assistant Vice President
(1994-1997) of Hartford Life Insurance Company.
DAVID N. LEVENSON (age 34) Vice Mr. Levenson serves as Senior Vice President of
P.O. Box 2999 President Hartford Life Insurance Company and is responsible for
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 the Company's mutual funds line of business and its
corporate retirement plans line of business. Mr.
Levenson joined The Hartford in 1995. Mr. Levenson is
also a senior vice president of HIFSCO.
THOMAS MICHAEL MARRA (age 43) Vice Mr. Marra has served as Chief Operating Officer since
P.O. Box 2999 President 2000, Executive Vice President since 1996, and as
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 Senior Vice President and Director since 1994 of the
Investment Products Division of Hartford Life Insurance
Company. Mr. Marra is also a Director and Executive
Vice President of HIFSCO and a Managing Member and
Executive Vice President of HL Advisors.
JOHN C. WALTERS (age 39) Vice Mr. Walters serves as Executive Vice President and
P.O. Box 2999 President Director of the Investment Products Division of
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 Hartford Life Insurance Company. Previously Mr. Walters
was with First Union Securities. Mr. Walters is also an
Executive Vice President of HIFSCO.
GEORGE RICHARD JAY (age 48) Vice Mr. Jay has served as Secretary and Director, Life and
P.O. Box 2999 President, Equity Accounting and Financial Control, of Hartford
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 Controller Life Insurance Company since 1987.
and Treasurer
KEVIN J. CARR (age 46) Vice Mr. Carr has served as Assistant General Counsel since
55 Farmington Avenue President 1999, Counsel since November 1996 and Associate Counsel
Hartford, CT 06105 and since November 1995, of The Hartford Financial Services
Secretary Group, Inc. Formerly he served as Counsel of
Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company from March
1995 to November 1995 and Associate Counsel of 440
Financial Group of Worcester from 1994 to 1995. Mr.
Carr is also Counsel and Assistant Secretary of HL
Advisors and HIFSCO and Assistant Secretary of HIMCO.
16
POSITION
HELD WITH PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS HELD
NAME, ADDRESS, AGE THE HLS FUNDS DURING LAST 5 YEARS
------------------------------------------------------ -------------- ------------------------------------------------------
DEIRDRE MCGUIRE (age 41) Vice Ms. McGuire has served as a Portfolio Manager for
55 Farmington Avenue President Hartford Life Insurance Company and its affiliates
Hartford, CT 06105 since 1992. Ms. McGuire joined the company in 1983. Ms.
McGuire is an associate in the Society of Actuaries and
a Chartered Financial Analyst.
CHRISTOPHER JAMES COSTA (age 36) Assistant Mr. Costa has served as the Tax Manager of The
P.O. Box 2999 Secretary Hartford-Sponsored Mutual Funds since July 1996.
Hartford, CT 06104-2999 Formerly he served as the Tax Manager and Assistant
Treasurer of The Phoenix Mutual Funds from June 1994 to
June 1996 and as a Tax Consultant with Arthur Andersen
LLP from September 1990 to June 1994.
An Audit Committee and Nominating Committee have been appointed for
each fund. Each Committee is made up of those directors who are not "interested
persons" of the HLS Fund.
All officers and directors of the HLS Funds are also officers and
directors of The Hartford Mutual Funds, Inc., a family of twenty-three mutual
funds.
COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS The HLS Funds pay no salaries or
compensation to any officer or director affiliated with The Hartford. The chart
below sets forth the fees paid by the HLS Fund to the non-interested directors
for the 2000 fiscal year and certain other information:
PENSION OR TOTAL COMPENSATION
AGGREGATE RETIREMENT BENEFITS ESTIMATED ANNUAL FROM THE HLS FUNDS
COMPENSATION FROM ACCRUED AS PART OF BENEFITS UPON AND FUND COMPLEX
NAME OF PERSON, POSITION THE HLS FUNDS HLS FUND EXPENSES RETIREMENT PAID TO DIRECTORS*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Clark, Director $28,138 $0 $0 $37,750
Winifred E. Coleman, Director $28,138 $0 $0 $37,750
William A. O'Neill, Director $28,138 $0 $0 $37,750
Millard H. Pryor, Director $25,498 $0 $0 $33,750
John K. Springer, Director $28,138 $0 $0 $37,750
*As of December 31, 2000, there were thirty-nine Funds in the Complex
(including the HLS Funds).
As of March 30, 2001, the officers and directors as a group
beneficially owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each HLS Fund.
The charter applicable to each HLS Fund provides that the directors,
officers and employees of the HLS Fund may be indemnified by the HLS Fund to the
fullest extent permitted by Maryland law and the federal
17
securities laws. The bylaws applicable to each HLS Fund provide that the HLS
Fund shall indemnify each of its directors, officers and employees against
liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by them, in connection with, or
resulting from, any claim, action, suit or proceeding, threatened against or
otherwise involving such director, officer or employee, directly or indirectly,
by reason of being or having been a director, officer or employee of the HLS
Fund. Neither the charter nor the bylaws authorize the HLS Fund to indemnify any
director or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be
subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of such person's duties.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Each HLS Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with HL
Investment Advisors, LLC ("HL Advisors"). The investment advisory agreement
provides that HL Advisors, subject to the supervision and approval of each HLS
Fund's board of directors, is responsible for the management of each HLS Fund.
HL Advisors is responsible for investment management supervision of all HLS
Funds. In addition, Hartford Life provides administrative services to the HLS
Funds including personnel, services, equipment and facilities and office space
for proper operation of the HLS Funds. Although Hartford Life has agreed to
arrange for the provision of additional services necessary for the proper
operation of the HLS Fund, each HLS Fund pays for these services directly.
HL Advisors has entered into an investment services agreement with
HIMCO for services related to the day-to-day investment and reinvestment of the
assets of the Index HLS Fund, Mortgage Securities HLS Fund, Bond HLS Fund, High
Yield HLS Fund and Money Market HLS Fund. With respect to the remaining HLS
Funds, HL Advisors has entered into an investment sub-advisory agreement with
Wellington Management Company. Under the sub-advisory agreement, Wellington
Management, subject to the general supervision of the board of directors and HL
Advisors, is responsible for (among other things) the day-to-day investment and
reinvestment of the assets of such HLS Funds and furnishing each such HLS Fund
with advice and recommendations with respect to investments and the purchase and
sale of appropriate securities for each HLS Fund.
As provided by the investment advisory agreements, each HLS Fund pays
HL Advisors an investment advisory fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly,
at an annual rate stated as a percentage of the respective HLS Fund's average
daily net asset value. HL Advisors, not any HLS Fund, pays the subadvisory fees
of Wellington Management as set forth in the Prospectus. HL Advisors pays HIMCO
the direct and indirect costs incurred in managing the HIMCO-advised HLS Funds.
The investment management fee rates are as follows:
INDEX HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
All Assets 0.400%
MONEY MARKET HLS FUND AND MORTGAGE SECURITIES HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
All Assets 0.450%
BOND HLS FUND AND STOCK HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $250,000,000 0.525%
Next $250,000,000 0.500%
Next $500,000,000 0.475%
18
Amount Over $1 Billion 0.450%
ADVISERS HLS FUND, CAPITAL APPRECIATION HLS FUND, DIVIDEND AND GROWTH HLS FUND,
GLOBAL LEADERS HLS FUND, GROWTH AND INCOME HLS FUND, HIGH YIELD HLS FUND, GLOBAL
ADVISERS HLS FUND, SMALL COMPANY HLS FUND, MIDCAP HLS FUND AND INTERNATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $250,000,000 0.775%
Next $250,000,000 0.725%
Next $500,000,000 0.675%
Amount Over $1 Billion 0.625%
VALUE HLS FUND AND MIDCAP VALUE HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $250,000,000 0.825%
Next $250,000,000 0.775%
Next $500,000,000 0.725%
Amount Over $1 Billion 0.675%
GLOBAL HEALTH HLS FUND, GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY HLS FUND, GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS HLS
FUND, GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES HLS FUND, INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL APPRECIATION HLS
FUND, INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY HLS FUND, FOCUS HLS FUND AND FOCUS GROWTH HLS
FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $250,000,000 0.850%
Next $250,000,000 0.800%
Amount Over $500,000,000 0.750%
The sub-advisory fee rates are as follows:
INDEX HLS FUND, MONEY MARKET HLS FUND, BOND HLS FUND, HIGH YIELD HLS FUND AND
MORTGAGE SECURITIES HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
All Assets At Cost
ADVISERS HLS FUND, DIVIDEND AND GROWTH HLS FUND, GROWTH AND INCOME HLS FUND AND
STOCK HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $50,000,000 0.325%
Next $100,000,000 0.250%
Next $350,000,000 0.200%
Amount Over $500,000,000 0.150%
VALUE HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $50,000,000 0.350%
Next $100,000,000 0.275%
Next $350,000,000 0.225%
Next $500,000,000 0.200%
19
Amount Over $ 1 Billion 0.175%
FOCUS HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $50,000,000 0.400%
Next $100,000,000 0.300%
Amount Over $150,000,000 0.250%
CAPITAL APPRECIATION HLS FUND, GLOBAL LEADERS HLS FUND, GLOBAL ADVISERS HLS
FUND, SMALL COMPANY HLS FUND, MIDCAP HLS FUND, INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES HLS
FUND AND MIDCAP VALUE HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $50,000,000 0.400%
Next $100,000,000 0.300%
Next $350,000,000 0.250%
Amount Over $500,000,000 0.200%
INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL APPRECIATION HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $50,000,000 0.400%
Next $100,000,000 0.300%
Next $350,000,000 0.250%
Amount Over $500,000,000 0.225%
GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS HLS FUND, GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES HLS FUND, GLOBAL
HEALTH HLS FUND AND GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $100,000,000 0.450%
Next $400,000,000 0.350%
Amount Over $500,000,000 0.300%
INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY HLS FUND
NET ASSET VALUE ANNUAL RATE
--------------- -----------
First $50,000,000 0.400%
Next $100,000,000 0.350%
Amount Over $150,000,000 0.275%
For the last three fiscal years, each HLS Fund has paid the following
advisory fees to HL Advisors:
HLS FUND NAME 2000 1999 1998
------------- ---- ---- ----
Global Communications HLS Fund --- --- ---
Global Financial Services HLS Fund --- --- ---
Focus HLS Fund --- --- ---
Focus Growth HLS Fund --- --- ---
20
HLS FUND NAME 2000 1999 1998
------------- ---- ---- ----
Growth HLS Fund --- --- ---
Value HLS Fund --- --- ---
MidCap Value HLS Fund --- --- ---
International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund --- --- ---
International Small Company HLS Fund --- --- ---
Global Health HLS Fund $264,930 --- ---
Global Technology HLS Fund $247,088 --- ---
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund $40,698,579 $28,279,376 $23,148,831
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund $13,783,433 $14,387,861 $11,746,871
Global Leaders HLS Fund $2,499,273 $315,278 $5,826
Growth and Income HLS Fund $1,876,333 $504,291 $38,069
Index HLS Fund $5,149,099 $4,356,861 $2,931,531
International Opportunities HLS Fund $7,392,807 $6,344,130 $5,838,942
MidCap HLS Fund $6,536,373 $1,712,667 $449,736
Small Company HLS Fund $5,105,364 $2,400,827 $1,511,160
Stock HLS Fund $23,920,310 $20,925,628 $15,103,808
Advisers HLS Fund $59,648,251 $56,203,516 $43,114,112
Global Advisers HLS Fund $2,249,084 $1,821,043 $1,429,470
Bond HLS Fund $2,929,792 $2,830,655 $2,165,188
High Yield HLS Fund $322,313 $207,216 $19,214
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund $781,479 $884,063 $838,841
Money Market HLS Fund $2,870,381 $2,688,668 $1,756,465
Pursuant to the investment advisory agreement, investment sub-advisory
and investment services agreements neither HL Advisors, HIMCO nor Wellington
Management is liable to the HLS Funds or their shareholders for an error of
judgment or mistake of law or for a loss suffered by the HLS Funds in connection
with the matters to which their respective agreements relate, except a loss
resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of
HIMCO or Wellington Management in the performance of their duties or from their
reckless disregard of the obligations and duties under the applicable agreement.
HL Advisors, whose principal business address is at 200 Hopmeadow
Street, Simsbury, Connecticut 06089, was organized in 1981. As of December 31,
2000, HL Advisors had approximately $ 47.2 billion in assets under management.
HIMCO is located at 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut 06105, was
organized in 1996 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hartford. HIMCO is a
professional money management firm that provides services to investment
companies, employee benefit plans, its affiliated insurance companies and other
institutional accounts. As of December 31, 2000, HIMCO and its wholly-owned
subsidiary had approximately $ 65.3 billion in assets under management.
Wellington Management, 75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, is a
professional investment counseling firm that provides services to investment
companies, employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations and other
institutions and individuals. Wellington Management and its predecessor
organizations have provided investment advisory services since 1928. As of
December 31, 2000, Wellington Management had investment management authority
with respect to approximately $ 274 billion in assets. Wellington Management is
a Massachusetts limited liability partnership. The three managing partners of
Wellington Management are Laurie A. Gabriel, Duncan M. McFarland and John R.
Ryan.
The investment advisory agreements, investment subadvisory agreements
and investment services agreements continue in effect for two years from initial
approval and from year to year thereafter if approved annually by a vote of a
majority of the Directors of the HLS Funds including a majority of the Directors
who are not parties to an agreement or interested persons of any party to the
contract, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval, or by holders of a majority of the applicable HLS Fund's outstanding
voting
21
securities. The contract automatically terminates upon assignment as defined
under the 1940 Act. The investment advisory agreement may be terminated without
penalty on 60 days' notice at the option of either party to the respective
contract or by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the applicable HLS Fund. The investment subadvisory agreements and
investment services agreements may be terminated at any time without the payment
of any penalty by the Board of Directors, by vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the respective HLS Fund or by HL Advisors, upon
60 days' notice to HIMCO and Wellington Management, and by Wellington Management
or HIMCO upon 90 days' written notice to HL Advisors (with respect to that HLS
Fund only). The investment subadvisory agreement and investment services
agreements terminate automatically upon the termination of the corresponding
investment advisory agreement.
HL Advisors may make payments from time to time from its own resources,
which may include the management fees paid by the HLS Fund to compensate broker
dealers, depository institutions, or other persons for providing distribution
assistance and administrative services and to otherwise indirectly promote the
sale of shares of the HLS Funds by promoting the sale of variable contracts
including paying for the preparation, printing and distribution of prospectuses
and sales literature or other promotional activities.
Each fund and each adviser, sub-adviser and principal underwriter to
each fund has adopted a Code of Ethics designed to protect the interests of each
fund's shareholders. Under each Code of Ethics investment personnel are
permitted to trade securities for their own account subject to a number of
restrictions. Each Code of Ethics has been filed with the SEC and may be viewed
by the public.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
The HLS Funds have no obligation to deal with any dealer or group of
dealers in the execution of transactions in portfolio securities. Subject to any
policy established by the board of directors, HIMCO and Wellington Management
are primarily responsible for the investment decisions of each HLS Fund and the
placing of its portfolio transactions. In placing orders, it is the policy of
each HLS Fund to obtain the most favorable net results, taking into account
various factors, including price, dealer spread or commission, if any, size of
the transaction and difficulty of execution. While HIMCO and Wellington
Management generally seek reasonably competitive spreads or commissions, the HLS
Funds will not necessarily pay the lowest possible spread or commission. Upon
instructions from the HL Advisors, Wellington Management may direct certain
brokerage transactions to broker/dealers who also sell shares of funds in the
fund complex, or who agree to transmit a portion of the brokerage commissions on
transactions executed by them to broker/dealers who sell fund shares. Upon
instructions from HL Advisors, Wellington Management may also direct certain
brokerage transactions to broker/dealers that pay for certain other services
used by the funds.
Although the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. prohibit its members from seeking orders for the execution of investment
company portfolio transactions on the basis of their sales of investment company
shares, under such rules, sales of investment company shares may be considered
by the investment company as a factor in selecting brokers to execute portfolio
transactions. Accordingly, some portfolio transactions are, subject to such
rules and to obtaining best prices and executions, effected through dealers who
sell shares of funds in the fund complex or who agree to transmit a portion of
the brokerage commissions on transactions executed by them to broker/dealers who
sell fund shares.
HIMCO and Wellington Management generally deal directly with the
dealers who make a market in the securities involved (unless better prices and
execution are available elsewhere) if the securities are traded primarily in the
over-the-counter market. Such dealers usually act as principals for their own
account. On occasion, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer.
Bonds and money market securities are generally traded on a net basis and do not
normally involve either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes. Portfolio
securities in the Money Market HLS Fund normally are purchased directly from, or
sold directly to, the issuer, an underwriter or market maker for the securities.
There usually are no brokerage commissions paid by the Money Market HLS Fund for
such purchases or sales.
22
While HIMCO and Wellington Management seek to obtain the most favorable
net results in effecting transactions in an HLS Fund's portfolio securities,
dealers who provide investment research to HIMCO or Wellington Management may
receive orders for transactions from HIMCO or Wellington Management. Such
research services ordinarily consist of assessments and analyses of the business
or prospects of a company, industry, or economic sector. If, in the judgment of
HIMCO or Wellington Management, an HLS Fund will be benefited by such research
services, HIMCO and Wellington Management are authorized to pay spreads or
commissions to brokers or dealers furnishing such services which are in excess
of spreads or commissions which another broker or dealer may charge for the same
transaction. Information so received is in addition to and not in lieu of the
services required to be performed by HIMCO and Wellington Management under the
investment advisory agreement or the investment sub-advisory agreement. The
expenses of HIMCO and Wellington Management are not necessarily reduced as a
result of the receipt of such supplemental information. HIMCO and Wellington
Management may use such supplemental research in providing investment advice to
portfolios other than those for which the transactions are made. Similarly, the
HLS Funds may benefit from such research obtained by HIMCO and Wellington
Management for portfolio transactions for other clients.
Investment decisions for the HLS Funds are made independently from
those of any other clients that are managed by HIMCO, Wellington Management or
their affiliates. If, however, accounts managed by HIMCO or Wellington
Management are simultaneously engaged in the purchase of the same security,
then, as authorized by each HLS Fund's board of directors, available securities
may be allocated to each HLS Fund or other client account and may be averaged as
to price in whatever manner HIMCO or Wellington Management deems to be fair.
Such allocation and pricing may affect the amount of brokerage commissions paid
by each HLS Fund. In some cases, this system might adversely affect the price
paid by an HLS Fund (for example, during periods of rapidly rising or falling
interest rates) or limit the size of the position obtainable for an HLS Fund
(for example, in the case of a small issue). Accounts managed by HIMCO or
Wellington (or their affiliates) may hold securities held by an HLS Fund.
Because of different investment objectives or other factors, a particular
security may be bought by HIMCO or Wellington Management for one or more clients
when one or more clients are selling the same security.
For the last three fiscal years, each HLS Fund has paid the following
brokerage commissions:
FUND NAME 2000 1999 1998
--------- ---- ---- ----
Global Communications HLS Fund -- --- ---
Global Financial Services HLS Fund -- --- ---
Focus HLS Fund -- --- ---
Focus Growth HLS Fund -- --- ---
Growth HLS Fund -- --- ---
Value HLS Fund -- --- ---
MidCap Value HLS Fund -- --- ---
International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund -- --- ---
International Small Company HLS Fund -- --- ---
Global Health HLS Fund $130,957 --- ---
Global Technology HLS Fund $97,774 --- ---
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund $15,249,703 $9,414,734 $6,278,243
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund $4,145,091 $3,991,949 $3,315,868
Global Leaders HLS Fund $3,697,328 $406,575 $8,481
Growth and Income HLS Fund $383,999 $142,956 $13,302
Index HLS Fund $147,865 $168,000 $163,000
International Opportunities HLS Fund $8,161,531 $7,376,146 $8,353,895
MidCap HLS Fund $3,385,103 $977,321 $277,583
Small Company HLS Fund $2,282,267 $1,012,220 $1,237,532
Stock HLS Fund $2,282,267 $6,262,227 $3,533,875
Advisers HLS Fund $5,591,379 $6,017,777 $3,712,596
23
FUND NAME 2000 1999 1998
--------- ---- ---- ----
Global Advisers HLS Fund $1,225,622 $1,079,028 $1,084,719
Bond HLS Fund N/A N/A N/A
High Yield HLS Fund N/A N/A N/A
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund N/A N/A N/A
Money Market HLS Fund N/A N/A N/A
Changes in the amounts of brokerage commissions paid generally reflect
increases in the total assets of an HLS Fund and/or changes in portfolio
turnover rates.
The following table shows the dollar amount of brokerage commissions
paid to firms that provided research and execution services and the approximate
dollar amount of the transactions involved for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2000.
COMMISSIONS PAID TO TOTAL AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION TO
FIRMS FOR EXECUTION AND FIRMS FOR EXECUTION AND RESEARCH
HLS FUND NAME RESEARCH SERVICES SERVICES
-------------
Global Communications HLS Fund $1,450 $2,221,822
Global Financial Services HLS Fund -- --
Focus HLS Fund -- --
Focus Growth HLS Fund -- --
Growth HLS Fund $855 $1,986,024
Value HLS Fund -- --
MidCap Value HLS Fund -- --
International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund -- --
International Small Company HLS Fund -- --
Global Health HLS Fund $20,466 $35,715,371
Global Technology HLS Fund $21,089 $31,567,008
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund $1,074,081 $822,275,087
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund $430,153 $499,884,350
Global Leaders HLS Fund $158,205 $162,321,959
Growth and Income HLS Fund $120,954 $238,274,539
Index HLS Fund -- --
International Opportunities HLS Fund $12,959 $6,994,937
MidCap HLS Fund $253,338 $241,533,511
Small Company HLS Fund $78,725 $85,600,914
Stock HLS Fund $697,104 $742,547,266
Advisers HLS Fund $703,885 $771,163,559
Global Advisers HLS Fund $1,068 $561,716
Bond HLS Fund -- --
High Yield HLS Fund -- --
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund -- --
Money Market HLS Fund -- --
HLS FUND EXPENSES
Each HLS Fund assumes and pays the following costs and expenses:
interest; taxes; brokerage charges (which may be to affiliated broker-dealers);
costs of preparing, printing and filing any amendments or supplements to the
registration forms of each HLS Fund and its securities; all federal and state
registration, qualification and filing costs and fees, (except the initial costs
and fees, which will be borne by Hartford Life), issuance and redemption
expenses, transfer agency and dividend and distribution disbursing agency costs
and expenses; custodian fees and expenses; accounting, auditing and legal
expenses; fidelity bond and other insurance premiums;
24
fees and salaries of directors, officers and employees of each HLS Fund other
than those who are also officers of Hartford Life; industry membership dues; all
annual and semiannual reports and prospectuses mailed to each HLS Fund's
shareholders as well as all quarterly, annual and any other periodic report
required to be filed with the SEC or with any state; any notices required by a
federal or state regulatory authority, and any proxy solicitation materials
directed to each HLS Fund's shareholders as well as all printing, mailing and
tabulation costs incurred in connection therewith, and any expenses incurred in
connection with the holding of meetings of each HLS Fund's shareholders,
expenses related to distribution activities as provided under each HLS Fund's
Rule 12b-1 distribution plan for Class IB shares and other miscellaneous
expenses related directly to the HLS Funds' operations and interest.
HLS FUND ADMINISTRATION
An Administrative Services Agreement between each HLS Fund and Hartford
Life provides that Hartford Life will manage the business affairs and provide
administrative services to each HLS Fund. Under the terms of these Agreements,
Hartford Life will provide the following: administrative personnel, services,
equipment and facilities and office space for proper operation of the HLS Funds.
Hartford Life has also agreed to arrange for the provision of additional
services necessary for the proper operation of the HLS Funds, although the HLS
Funds pay for these services directly. As compensation for the services to be
performed by Hartford Life, each HLS Fund pays to Hartford Life, as promptly as
possible after the last day of each month, a monthly fee equal to the annual
rate of .20% of the average daily net assets of the HLS Fund. In addition to the
administrative services fee, Hartford Life is compensated for fund accounting
services at a competitive market rate.
For the last three fiscal years, each HLS Fund has paid the following
administrative fees to Hartford Life:
HLS FUND NAME 2000 1999 1998
------------- ---- ---- ----
Global Communications HLS Fund --- --- ---
Global Financial Services HLS Fund --- --- ---
Focus HLS Fund --- --- ---
Focus Growth HLS Fund --- --- ---
Growth HLS Fund --- --- ---
Value HLS Fund --- --- ---
MidCap Value HLS Fund --- --- ---
International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund --- --- ---
International Small Company HLS Fund --- --- ---
Global Health HLS Fund $81,517 --- ---
Global Technology HLS Fund $76,027 --- ---
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund $18,740,088 $12,896,177 $9,497,866
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund $6,073,393 $6,358,994 $4,656,224
Global Leaders HLS Fund $909,841 $108,269 $2,027
Growth and Income HLS Fund $667,783 $174,191 $12,712
Index HLS Fund $5,149,099 $4,356,861 $2,669,517
International Opportunities HLS Fund $3,066,040 $2,573,708 $2,115,423
MidCap HLS Fund $2,672,206 $610,859 $144,116
Small Company HLS Fund $1,998,694 $870,967 $481,386
Stock HLS Fund $18,785,259 $16,390,499 $10,675,568
Advisers HLS Fund $27,656,837 $26,036,945 $18,087,300
Global Advisers HLS Fund $809,040 $646,111 $453,310
Bond HLS Fund $1,995,157 $1,922,419 $1,314,094
High Yield HLS Fund $112,109 $71,775 $6,684
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund $625,183 $707,251 $609,614
Money Market HLS Fund $2,296,305 $2,150,934 $1,284,777
25
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
Each Fund's shares are sold by Hartford Securities Distribution Company
(the "distributor") on a continuous basis to separate accounts sponsored by The
Hartford and its affiliates and to certain qualified retirement plans.
Each Fund has adopted separate distribution plans (the "Plans") for
Class IB shares pursuant to appropriate resolutions of each Fund's board of
directors in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act
and the requirements of the applicable rule of the NASD regarding asset based
sales charges.
Pursuant to the Plans, each Fund may compensate the distributor for its
expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale
of HLS Fund shares. The expenses of each HLS Fund pursuant to each Plan are
accrued on a fiscal year basis and may not exceed, the annual rate of 0.25% of
each HLS Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class IB shares. All or
any portion of this fee may be remitted to dealers who provide distribution or
shareholder account services.
Distribution fees paid to the distributor may be spent on any
activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of each Fund's
shares including (a) compensation to and expenses, including overhead and
telephone expenses, of employees of the distributor engaged in the distribution
of the Class IB shares; (b) printing and mailing of prospectuses, statements of
additional information, and reports for prospective purchasers of variable
annuity contracts or variable life insurance contracts ("Variable Contracts")
investing indirectly in Class IB shares; (c) compensation to financial
intermediaries and broker-dealers to pay or reimburse them for their services or
expenses in connection with the distribution of Variable Contracts investing
indirectly in Class IB shares; (d) expenses relating to the development,
preparation, printing, and mailing of Fund advertisements, sales literature, and
other promotional materials describing and/or relating to the Fund; (e) expenses
of holding seminars and sales meetings designed to promote the distribution of
the Class IB shares; (f) expenses of obtaining information and providing
explanations to variable contract owners regarding Fund investment objectives
and policies and other information about the Fund, including performance; (g)
expenses of training sales personnel regarding the Fund; (h) expenses of
compensating sales personnel in connection with the allocation of cash values
and premiums of the Variable Contracts to the fund; and (i) expenses of personal
services and/or maintenance of Variable Contract accounts with respect to Class
IB shares attributable to such accounts. These Plans are considered compensation
type plans, which means the distributor is paid the agreed upon fee regardless
of the distributor's expenditures.
In accordance with the terms of the Plans, the distributor provides to
each HLS Fund, for review by each Fund's board of directors, a quarterly written
report of the amounts expended under the respective Plans and the purpose for
which such expenditures were made.
The Plans were adopted by a majority vote of the board of directors,
including at least a majority of directors who are not, and were not at the time
they voted, interested persons of each fund as defined in the 1940 Act and do
not and did not have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of the Plans, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
the Plans. In approving the Plans, the directors identified and considered a
number of potential benefits which the Plans may provide including the potential
to increase assets in order to benefit from economics of scale. The board of
directors believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plans will
benefit the Class IB shareholders of each HLS Fund. Under their terms, the Plans
remain in effect from year to year provided such continuance is approved
annually by vote of the directors in the manner described above. The Plans may
not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for distribution
without approval of the shareholders of each Fund affected thereby, and material
amendments to the Plans must also be approved by the board of directors in the
manner described above. A Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of
any penalty, by vote of the majority of the directors who are not interested
persons of each Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operations of the Plan, or by a vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" of each Fund affected thereby. A Plan will automatically terminate
in the event of its assignment.
26
For the last two fiscal years, the following 12b-1 fees were paid by
the Class IB Shares of the HLS Funds in the years indicated:
HLS FUND NAME 2000 1999
------------- ---- ----
Global Communications HLS Fund --- ---
Global Financial Services HLS Fund --- ---
Focus HLS Fund --- ---
Focus Growth HLS Fund --- ---
Growth HLS Fund --- ---
Value HLS Fund --- ---
MidCap Value HLS Fund --- ---
International Capital Appreciation HLS Fund --- ---
International Small Company HLS Fund --- ---
Global Health HLS Fund $4,142 ---
Global Technology HLS Fund $4,811 ---
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund $120,031 $21,889
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund $37,668 $23,523
Global Leaders HLS Fund $16,261 $81
Growth and Income HLS Fund $8,772 $22
Index HLS Fund $10,569 $3
International Opportunities HLS Fund $2,532 $2,532
MidCap HLS Fund $27,656 $3
Small Company HLS Fund $47,276 $6,982
Stock HLS Fund $150,489 $48,441
Advisers HLS Fund $333,832 $147,810
Global Advisers HLS Fund $3,453 $3
Bond HLS Fund $38,668 $17,793
High Yield HLS Fund $1,362 $191
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund $585 $3
Money Market HLS Fund $30,074 $10,172
The entire amount of 12b-1 fees listed above were paid to dealers as
compensation.
The distributor and its affiliates pay, out of their own assets,
compensation to brokers, financial institutions and other persons for the
sale and distribution of the HLS Funds' shares and/or for the servicing of
those shares. These payments may be made to supplement portfolio brokerage
directed in recognition of the sale of fund shares.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of the shares of each HLS Fund is determined by
Hartford Life in the manner described in the HLS Funds' Prospectus. The HLS
Funds are closed for business and do not price their shares on the following
business holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas
Day and other holidays observed by the New York Stock Exchange. Securities held
by each HLS Fund other than the Money Market HLS Fund are valued as follows:
debt securities (other than short-term obligations) are valued on the basis of
valuations furnished by an unaffiliated pricing service which determines
valuations for normal institutional size trading units of debt securities.
Short-term securities held in the Money Market HLS Fund are valued at amortized
cost or original cost plus accrued interest receivable, both of which
approximate market value. All other HLS Funds' debt investments with a maturity
of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market
value. Short-term investments with a maturity of more than 60 days when
purchased are valued based on market quotations until the remaining days to
maturity become less than 61 days. From such time until maturity, the
investments are valued at amortized cost.
Equity securities are valued at the last sale price reported on
principal securities exchanges on which it is traded. If no sale took place on a
particular day and in the case of certain equity securities traded
over-the-counter,
27
then such securities are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices.
Securities quoted in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the
exchange rate at the end of the reporting period. Options are valued at the last
sales price; if no sale took place on a particular day, then options are valued
at the mean between the bid and asked prices. Securities for which market
quotations are not readily available and all other assets are valued in good
faith at fair value by, or under guidelines established by, the HLS Funds' board
of directors.
Under the amortized cost method of valuation, an instrument is valued
at cost and the interest payable at maturity upon the instrument is accrued as
income, on a daily basis, over the remaining life of the instrument. Neither the
amount of daily income nor the net asset value is affected by unrealized
appreciation or depreciation of the portfolio's investments assuming the
instrument's obligation is paid in full on maturity.
The amortized cost method of valuation permits the Money Market HLS
Fund to maintain a stable $1.00 net asset value per share. The Fund's board of
directors periodically reviews the extent of any deviation from the $1.00 per
share value that would occur if a method of valuation based on market prices and
estimates were used. In the event such a deviation would exceed one-half of one
percent, the board of directors will promptly consider any action that
reasonably should be initiated to eliminate or reduce material dilution or other
unfair results to shareholders. Such action may include selling portfolio
securities prior to maturity, not declaring earned income dividends, valuing
portfolio securities on the basis of current market prices, if available, or, if
not available, at fair market value as determined in good faith by the board of
directors, and (considered highly unlikely by management of the Fund) redemption
of shares in kind (I.E., portfolio securities). In periods of declining interest
rates, the indicated daily yield on shares of the portfolio computed using
amortized cost may tend to be higher than a similar computation made using a
method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates. In periods of rising
interest rates, the indicated daily yield on shares of the portfolio computed
using amortized cost may tend to be lower than a similar computation made using
a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
For information regarding the purchase or sale (redemption) of HLS Fund
shares, see "Purchase of Fund Shares" in the HLS Funds' Prospectus.
SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS
An HLS Fund may not suspend a shareholder's right of redemption, or
postpone payment for a redemption for more than seven days, unless the New York
Stock Exchange (NYSE) is closed for other than customary weekends or holidays,
or trading on the NYSE is restricted, or for any period during which an
emergency exists as a result of which (1) disposal by an HLS Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable, (2) it is not reasonably practicable
for an HLS Fund to fairly determine the value of its assets, or (3) for such
other periods as the SEC may permit for the protection of investors.
OWNERSHIP AND CAPITALIZATION OF THE HLS FUNDS
CAPITAL STOCK The board of directors is authorized, without further
shareholder approval, to authorize additional shares and to classify and
reclassify the HLS Funds into one or more classes. Accordingly, the directors
have authorized the issuance of two classes of shares of the HLS Funds
designated as Class IA and Class IB shares. The shares of each class represent
an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the HLS Funds and have equal
rights as to voting, redemption, and liquidation. However, each class bears
different expenses and therefore the net asset values of the two classes and any
dividends declared may differ between the two classes.
Pursuant to state insurance law, Hartford Life, or its affiliates, is
the owner of all HLS shares held in Hartford Life's separate accounts. The
shares are held for the benefit of Hartford Life's contractholders and policy
owners. In addition to Hartford Life, the following entity owns 5% or more of
each class of HLS shares.
28
As of March 31, 2000, HL Advisors owned shares in the following HLS
Funds:
FUND PERCENTAGE OF OWNERSHIP
---- -----------------------
CLASS IA CLASS IB
-------- --------
Global Communications HLS Fund 100% 100%
Global Financial Services HLS Fund 100% 100%
Focus Growth HLS Fund 100% 100%
Growth HLS Fund 100% 100%
SHARE CLASSES Under each HLS Fund's multi-class plan, shares of each
class of an HLS Fund represent an equal pro-rata interest in that HLS Fund and,
generally, shall have identical voting, dividend, liquidation, and other rights,
preferences, powers, restrictions, limitations, qualifications and terms and
conditions, except that: (a) each class shall have a different designation; (b)
each class of shares shall bear its "Class Expenses;" (c) each class shall have
exclusive voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders that relates
solely to its distribution arrangements; (d) each class shall have separate
voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders in which the interests of
one class differ from the interests of any other class; (e) each class may have
separate exchange privileges; and (f) each class may have different conversion
features, although a conversion feature is not currently contemplated. Expenses
currently designated as "Class Expenses" by the HLS Fund's board of directors
are currently limited to payments made to the distributor for the Class IB
shares, pursuant to the Distribution Plan for the Class IB shares.
VOTING Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each share of the
HLS Funds held upon all matters submitted to the shareholders generally.
Hartford Life, or its affiliates, is the shareholder of record for all HLS
Funds. Hartford Life will vote all HLS Fund shares, pro-rata, according to the
written instructions of the owners of Variable Contracts indirectly invested in
the HLS Funds.
Matters in which the interests of all the Funds are substantially
identical (such as the election of directors or the ratification of the
selection of the independent accountants) are voted on by all shareholders
without regard to the separate Funds. Matters that affect all or several Funds,
but where the interests of the Funds are not substantially identical (such as
approval of an investment management agreement) are voted on separately by the
shareholders of each Fund for their Fund. Matters that affect only one Fund
(such as a change in its fundamental policies) are voted on separately for the
Fund by the shareholders of that Fund. Likewise, matters that affect only one
class of shares of a Fund (such as approval of a plan of distribution) are voted
on separately for that class by the holders of shares of that class.
OTHER RIGHTS Each share of HLS Fund stock, when issued and paid for in
accordance with the terms of the offering, will be fully paid and
non-assessable. Shares of HLS Fund stock have no pre-emptive, subscription or
conversion rights. Upon liquidation of an HLS Fund, the shareholders of that HLS
Fund shall be entitled to share, pro rata, in any assets of the HLS Fund after
discharge of all liabilities and payment of the expenses of liquidation.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
A. MONEY MARKET HLS FUND
In accordance with regulations prescribed by the SEC, the HLS Fund is
required to compute the Money Market HLS Fund's current annualized yield for a
seven-day period in a manner which does not take into consideration any realized
or unrealized gains or losses on its portfolio securities. This current
annualized yield is computed by determining the net change (exclusive of
realized gains and losses on the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation
and depreciation) in the value of a hypothetical account having a balance of one
share of the Money Market HLS Fund at the beginning of such seven-day period,
dividing such net change in account value by the value of the account at the
beginning of the period to determine the base period return and annualizing this
quotient on a 365-day basis.
29
The SEC also permits the HLS Fund to disclose the effective yield of
the Money Market HLS Fund for the same seven-day period, determined on a
compounded basis. The effective yield is calculated by compounding the
unannualized base period return by adding one to the base period return, raising
the sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7, and subtracting one from the
result.
The yield on amounts held in the Money Market HLS Fund normally will
fluctuate on a daily basis. Therefore, the disclosed yield for any given past
period is not an indication or representation of future yields or rates of
return. The Money Market HLS Fund's actual yield is affected by changes in
interest rates on money market securities, average portfolio maturity of the
Money Market HLS Fund, the types and quality of portfolio securities held by the
Money Market HLS Fund, any default by issuers of investments held by the Money
Market HLS Fund and its operating expenses.
For the seven-day period ending December 31, 2000 the Money Market HLS
Fund's annualized yield for Class IA and Class IB was 6.20% and 6.01%
respectively. For the same period the effective yield for Class IA and Class IB
was 6.39% and 6.20% respectively.
Example:
Assumptions:
Value of a hypothetical pre-existing account with exactly one share of
Class IA at the beginning of the period: $1.000000
Value of the same account (excluding capital changes) at the end of the
seven day period: $1.0011898 This value would include the value of any
additional shares purchased with dividends from the original share, and all
dividends declared on both the original share and any such additional shares.
Calculation:
Ending account value $1.0011898
Less beginning account value 1.000000
Net change in account value $.0011898
Base period return: $.0011898/$1.000000 =.0011898
(adjusted change/beginning account value)
Current yield = .0011898 X (365/7) = 6.20%
Effective yield = (1 + .0011898)^(365/7) - 1 = 6.39%
The current yield and effective yield information will fluctuate, and
publication of yield information may not provide a basis for comparison with
bank deposits, other investments which are insured and/or pay a fixed yield for
a stated period of time, or other investment companies. In addition, the current
yield and effective yield information may be of limited use for comparative
purposes because it does not reflect charges imposed at the Separate Account
level which, if included, would decrease the yield.
B. OTHER FUNDS
STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS Average annual
total return quotations for the HLS Funds are computed by finding the average
annual compounded rates of return that would cause a hypothetical investment
made on the first day of a designated period to equal the ending redeemable
value of such hypothetical investment on the last day of the designated period
in accordance with the following formula:
30
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of n = number of years
$1,000, less the maximum sales load
applicable to a Fund ERV = ending redeemable value of the
hypothetical $1,000 initial payment
T = average annual total return made at the beginning of the
designated period (or fractional
portion thereof)
The computation above assumes that all dividends and distributions made
by an HLS Fund are reinvested at net asset value during the designated period.
The average annual total return quotation is determined to the nearest 1/100 of
1%.
One of the primary methods used to measure performance is "total
return." "Total return" will normally represent the percentage change in value
of a class of an HLS Fund, or of a hypothetical investment in a class of an HLS
Fund, over any period up to the lifetime of the class. Unless otherwise
indicated, total return calculations will assume the deduction of the maximum
sales charge and usually assume the reinvestment of all dividends and capital
gains distributions and will be expressed as a percentage increase or decrease
from an initial value, for the entire period or for one or more specified
periods within the entire period. Total return calculations that do not reflect
the reduction of sales charges will be higher than those that do reflect such
charges.
Total return percentages for periods longer than one year will usually
be accompanied by total return percentages for each year within the period
and/or by the average annual compounded total return for the period. The income
and capital components of a given return may be separated and portrayed in a
variety of ways in order to illustrate their relative significance. Performance
may also be portrayed in terms of cash or investment values, without
percentages. Past performance cannot guarantee any particular future result. In
determining the average annual total return (calculated as provided above),
recurring fees, if any, that are charged to all shareholder accounts are taken
into consideration. For any account fees that vary with the size of the account,
the account fee used for purposes of the above computation is assumed to be the
fee that would be charged to the mean account size of a class of the HLS Fund.
Each HLS Fund's average annual total return quotations and yield
quotations as they may appear in the Prospectus, this SAI or in advertising are
calculated by standard methods prescribed by the SEC unless otherwise indicated.
NON-STANDARDIZED PERFORMANCE In addition, in order to more completely
represent an HLS Fund's performance or more accurately compare such performance
to other measures of investment return, an HLS Fund also may include in
advertisements, sales literature and shareholder reports other total return
performance data ("Non-Standardized Return"). Non-Standardized Return may be
quoted for the same or different periods as those for which Standardized Return
is quoted; it may consist of an aggregate or average annual percentage rate of
return, actual year-by-year rates or any combination thereof. Non-Standardized
Return may or may not take sales charges into account; performance data
calculated without taking the effect of sales charges into account will be
higher than data including the effect of such charges. All non-standardized
performance will be advertised only if the standard performance data for the
same period, as well as for the required periods, is also presented.
In contrast to Class IA shares, the Class IB shares charge 12b-1 fees
to cover distribution expenses. Because the historical performance of Class IA
shares may be helpful to a prospective investor's decision, the HLS Funds may
advertise standard average annual total return for Class IA shares and, when
available, Class IB shares.
The chart below sets forth certain standardized and non-standardized
performance information as of December 31, 2000 for the Class IA and Class IB
shares of each HLS Fund. Past performance is no guarantee and is not necessarily
indicative of future performance of the shares. The actual annual returns for
the shares may vary
31
significantly from the past and future performance. Investment returns and the
value of the shares will fluctuate in response to market and economic conditions
as well as other factors and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less
than their original cost. Total returns are based on capital changes plus
reinvestment of all distributions for the time periods noted in the charts
below.
The manner in which total return and yield are calculated is described
above. The following table sets forth the average annual total return and, where
applicable, the yield for each HLS Fund shown for periods ending December 31,
2000. The other Funds commenced operations in 2000 or 2001.
TOTAL RETURN YIELD
HLS FUND ---------------------------------------------------- ----
(INCEPTION DATE) SINCE INCEPTION 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 30-DAY YIELD
--------------- ------ ------- -------- ------------
Capital Appreciation HLS Fund
Class IA (April 2, 1984) 18.40% 13.22% 21.56% 22.67% N/A
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 17.97% 13.02% N/A N/A N/A
Dividend and Growth HLS Fund
Class IA (March 8, 1994) 17.86% 10.95% 17.13% N/A N/A
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 7.07% 10.75% N/A N/A N/A
Global Leaders HLS Fund
Class IA (September 30, 1998) 31.15% -7.06% N/A N/A N/A
Class IB (September 30, 1998) 30.92% -7.22% N/A N/A N/A
Growth and Income HLS Fund
Class IA (May 29, 1998) 12.85% -5.64% N/A N/A N/A
Class IB (May 29, 1998) 12.61% -5.81% N/A N/A N/A
Index HLS Fund
Class IA (May 1, 1987) 13.92% -9.50% 17.72% 16.75% N/A
Class IB (November 9, 1999) -2.35% -9.66% N/A N/A N/A
International Opportunities HLS Fund
Class IA (July 2, 1990) 7.42% -17.10% 8.25% 9.14% N/A
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 4.95% -17.25% N/A N/A N/A
MidCap HLS Fund
Class IA (July 15, 1997) 33.76% 25.42% N/A N/A N/A
Class IB (November 9, 1999) 44.12% 25.20% N/A N/A N/A
Small Company HLS Fund
Class IA (August 9, 1996) 17.60% -13.12% N/A N/A N/A
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 13.49% -13.28% N/A N/A N/A
Stock HLS Fund
Class IA (August 31, 1977) 15.17% -7.04% 19.41% 17.48% N/A
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 9.22% -7.21% N/A N/A N/A
Advisers HLS Fund
Class IA (March 31, 1983) 12.83% -.75% 14.71% 13.75% N/A
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 7.63% -.92% N/A N/A N/A
32
TOTAL RETURN YIELD
HLS FUND ---------------------------------------------------- ----
(INCEPTION DATE) SINCE INCEPTION 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS 30-DAY YIELD
--------------- ------ ------- -------- ------------
Global Advisers HLS Fund
Class IA (March 1, 1995) 10.30% -6.63% 8.99% N/A N/A
Class IB (November 9, 1999) 1.67% -6.80% N/A N/A N/A
Bond HLS Fund
Class IA (August 31, 1977) 8.67% 11.99% 6.47% 7.75% 6.13%
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 5.46% 11.79% N/A N/A 5.94%
High Yield HLS Fund
Class IA (September 30, 1998) 4.18% 1.03% N/A N/A 10.75%
Class IB (September 30, 1998) 3.99% .85% N/A N/A 10.55%
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund
Class IA (January 1, 1985) 8.50% 10.28% 6.48% 7.16% 6.68%
Class IB (November 9, 1999) 8.18% 10.08% N/A N/A 6.48%
Money Market HLS Fund
Class IA (June 30, 1980) 7.31% 6.10% 5.35% 4.90% N/A
Class IB (April 1, 1998) 5.23% 5.91% N/A N/A N/A
Each HLS Fund may also publish its distribution rate and/or its
effective distribution rate. An HLS Fund's distribution rate is computed by
dividing the most recent monthly distribution per share annualized, by the
current net asset value per share. An HLS Fund's effective distribution rate is
computed by dividing the distribution rate by the ratio used to annualize the
most recent monthly distribution and reinvesting the resulting amount for a full
year on the basis of such ratio. The effective distribution rate will be higher
than the distribution rate because of the compounding effect of the assumed
reinvestment. An HLS Fund's yield is calculated using a standardized formula,
the income component of which is computed from the yields to maturity of all
debt obligations held by the HLS Fund based on prescribed methods (with all
purchases and sales of securities during such period included in the income
calculation on a settlement date basis), whereas the distribution rate is based
on an HLS Fund's last monthly distribution. An HLS Fund's monthly distribution
tends to be relatively stable and may be more or less than the amount of net
investment income and short-term capital gain actually earned by the HLS Fund
during the month (see "Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes" in the HLS Funds'
Prospectus).
Other data that may be advertised or published about each HLS Fund
include the average portfolio quality, the average portfolio maturity and the
average portfolio duration.
33
STANDARDIZED YIELD QUOTATIONS The yield of a class is computed by
dividing the class's net investment income per share during a base period of 30
days, or one month, by the maximum offering price per share of the class on the
last day of such base period in accordance with the following formula:
a-b 6
2[(--- + 1) - 1]
cd
Where:
a = net investment income earned during c = the average daily number of shares of
the period attributable to the subject the subject class outstanding during
class the period that were entitled to
b = net expenses accrued for the period receive dividends
attributable to the subject class d = the maximum offering price per share
of the subject class on the last day
of the period
Net investment income will be determined in accordance with rules
established by the SEC.
GENERAL INFORMATION From time to time, the HLS Funds may advertise
their performance compared to similar funds using certain unmanaged indices,
reporting services and publications. Descriptions of some of the indices which
may be used are listed below.
The Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index is designed to represent price
movements in the mid cap U.S. equity market. It contains companies chosen by the
Standard & Poors Index Committee for their size, liquidity and industry
representation. None of the companies in the S&P 400 overlap with those in the
S&P 500 Index or the S&P 600 Index. Decisions about stocks to be included and
deleted are made by the Committee which meets on a regular basis. S&P 400 stocks
are market cap weighted; each stock influences the Index in proportion to its
relative market cap. REITs are not eligible for inclusion.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index is a well
diversified list of 500 companies representing the U.S. Stock Market.
The Standard and Poor's Small Cap 600 index is designed to represent
price movements in the small cap U.S. equity market. It contains companies
chosen by the Standard & Poors Index Committee for their size, industry
characteristics, and liquidity. None of the companies in the S&P 600 overlap
with the S&P 500 or the S&P 400 (MidCap Index). The S&P 600 is weighted by
market capitalization. REITs are not eligible for inclusion.
The NASDAQ Composite OTC Price Index is a market value-weighted and
unmanaged index showing the changes in the aggregate market value of
approximately 3,500 stocks.
The Lehman Government Bond Index is a measure of the market value of
all public obligations of the U.S. Treasury; all publicly issued debt of all
agencies of the U.S. Government and all quasi-federal corporations; and all
corporate debt guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Mortgage backed securities,
bonds and foreign targeted issues are not included in the Lehman Government
Index.
The Lehman Government/Corporate Bond Index is a measure of the market
value of approximately 5,300 bonds with a face value currently in excess of $1.3
trillion. To be included in the Lehman Government/Corporate Index, an issue must
have amounts outstanding in excess of $1 million, have at least one year to
maturity and be rated "Baa" or higher ("investment grade") by a nationally
recognized rating agency.
The Russell 2000 Index represents the bottom two thirds of the largest
3000 publicly traded companies domiciled in the U.S. Russell uses total market
capitalization to sort its universe to determine the companies that are included
in the Index. Only common stocks are included in the Index. REITs are eligible
for inclusion.
34
The Russell 2500 Index is a market value-weighted, unmanaged index
showing total return (I.E., principal changes with income) in the aggregate
market value of 2,500 stocks of publicly traded companies domiciled in the
United States. The Index includes stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange
and the American Stock Exchange as well as in the over-the-counter market.
The Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE Index (the "EAFE Index")
is an unmanaged index, which includes over 1,000 companies representing the
stock markets of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Far East. The EAFE Index
is typically shown weighted by the market capitalization. However, EAFE is also
available weighted by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These weights are modified
on July 1st of each year to reflect the prior year's GDP. Indices with dividends
reinvested constitute an estimate of total return arrived at by reinvesting one
twelfth of the month end yield at every month end. The series with net dividends
reinvested take into account those dividends net of withholding taxes retained
at the source of payment.
The Lehman Brothers High Yield BB Index is a measure of the market
value of public debt issues with a minimum par value of $100 million and rated
Ba1-Ba3 by Moody's. All bonds within the index are U.S. dollar denominated,
non-convertible and have at least one year remaining to maturity.
The Lehman Mortgage-Backed Securities Index includes the
mortgage-backed pass-through securities of the Government National Mortgage
Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation. The Index groups a wide range of pools of fixed rate
mortgage-backed securities of those issuers and defines them generally according
to agency, program, pass-through coupon and origination year. Those securities
which meet the maturity and liquidity criteria are then used to determine the
Index.
The Salomon Smith Barney World Government Bond Index is a
market-capitalization weighted benchmark that tracks the performance of the 18
Government bonds markets of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The
ex-U.S. Index excludes the United States.
The Goldman Sachs Healthcare Index is a modified capitalization
weighted index of selected companies covering a broad range of healthcare and
related businesses. Individual holdings are capped at 7.5% at each semi -annual
reconstitution date and must be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American
Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
(NASDAQ) System. As of December 31, 2000 there were 87 names in the Index.
The Goldman Sachs Technology Index is a modified capitalization
weighted index of selected companies covering the entire spectrum of the
technology industry. Individual holdings are capped at 8.5% at each semi-annual
reconstitution date and must be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, American
Stock Exchange or National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
(NASDAQ) System. As of December 31, 2000 there were 159 names in the Index.
In addition, from time to time in reports and promotions: (1) an HLS
Fund's performance may be compared to other groups of mutual funds tracked by:
(a) Lipper Analytical Services, a widely used independent research firm which
ranks mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets;
(b) Morningstar, Inc., another widely used independent research firm which ranks
mutual funds by overall performance, investment objectives, and assets; or (c)
other financial or business publications, such as Business Week, Money Magazine,
Forbes and Barron's which provide similar information; (2) the Consumer Price
Index (measure for inflation) may be used to assess the real rate of return from
an investment in the HLS Fund; (3) other statistics such as GNP, and net import
and export figures derived from governmental publications, E.G., The Survey of
Current Business or other independent parties, E.G., the Investment Company
Institute, may be used to illustrate investment attributes to the HLS Fund or
the general economic, business, investment, or financial environment in which
the HLS Fund operates; (4) various financial, economic and market statistics
developed by brokers, dealers and other persons may
35
be used to illustrate aspects of the HLS Fund's performance; (5) the effect of
tax-deferred compounding on the HLS Fund's investment returns, or on returns in
general, may be illustrated by graphs, charts, etc. where such graphs or charts
would compare, at various points in time, the return from an investment in the
HLS Fund (or returns in general) on a tax-deferred basis (assuming reinvestment
of capital gains and dividends and assuming one or more tax rates) with the
return on a taxable basis; and (6) the sectors or industries in which the HLS
Fund invests may be compared to relevant indices or surveys (E.G., S&P Industry
Surveys) in order to evaluate the HLS Fund's historical performance or current
or potential value with respect to the particular industry or sector.
From time to time, in reports or promotional literature, the HLS
Funds may discuss, or provide quotes or commentary of their current portfolio
managers, strategists, and other investment personnel, with respect to: the
economy; securities markets; portfolio securities and their issuers;
investment philosophies; strategies; techniques and criteria used in the
selection of securities to be purchased or sold for the HLS Funds; and HLS
Funds' portfolio holdings, including the description or graphical
representation of portfolio risk and other fundamental data; the investment
research and analysis process; the formulation of investment recommendations;
and the assessment and evaluation of credit, interest rate, market and
economic risks, and similar or related matters. The HLS Funds may also quote
or reprint all or a portion of evaluations or descriptions of fund
performance and operations appearing in various independent publications.
Each HLS Fund's investment performance may be advertised in various
financial publications, newspapers and magazines.
From time to time the HLS Fund may publish the sales of shares of one
or more of the HLS Funds on a gross or net basis and for various periods of
time, and compare such sales with sales similarly reported by other investment
companies.
The HLS Funds are offered exclusively through Variable Contracts and to
certain qualified retirement plans. Performance information presented for the
HLS Funds should not be compared directly with performance information of other
Variable Contracts without taking into account insurance-related charges and
expenses payable with respect to the Variable Contracts. Insurance related
charges and expenses are not reflected in the HLS Funds' performance information
and reduces an investor's return under the Contract. The HLS Funds' annual and
semi-annual reports also contain additional performance information. These
reports are distributed to all current shareholders and will be made available
to potential investors upon request and without charge.
TAXES
FEDERAL TAX STATUS OF THE FUNDS
THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION OF THE FEDERAL TAX STATUS OF THE HLS FUNDS IS A GENERAL
AND ABBREVIATED SUMMARY BASED ON TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE
OF THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TAX LAW IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY
LEGISLATIVE, ADMINISTRATIVE OR JUDICIAL ACTION.
Each HLS Fund is treated as a separate taxpayer for federal income tax
purposes. Each HLS Fund intends to elect to be treated as a REGULATED INVESTMENT
COMPANY under Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") and to qualify as a REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY each year.
If an HLS Fund: (1) continues to qualify as a REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY, and
(2) distributes to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company
taxable income (including for this purpose its net ordinary investment income
and net realized short-term capital gains) and 90% of its tax-exempt interest
income (reduced by certain expenses) (the "90% distribution requirement"),
(which each HLS Fund intends to do), then under the provisions of Subchapter M,
the Fund should have little or no income taxable to it under the Code. In
particular, an HLS Fund is not subject to federal income tax on the portion of
its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (I.E., net long-term
capital gain in excess of short-term capital loss) it distributes to
shareholders (or treats as having been distributed to shareholders).
An HLS Fund must meet several requirements to maintain its status as a
REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY. These requirements include the following: (1) at
least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year must be derived from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to loaned securities, gains from the
sale or disposition of securities (including gains from related investments in
foreign currencies), and other income (including gains from options, futures or
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such
securities or currencies; and (2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's
taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets must
consist of cash, cash items, securities of other REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES,
U.S. Government securities and other securities (provided that no more than 5%
of the value of the Fund may consist of such other securities of any one issuer,
and the Fund may not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
any
36
issuer), and (b) the Fund must not invest more than 25% of its total assets in
the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities or the
securities of other REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES), or of two or more issuers
that are controlled by the Fund and that are engaged in the same or similar
trades or businesses or related trades or businesses.
The HLS Funds should not be subject to the 4% federal excise tax
imposed on REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES that do not distribute substantially
all their income and gains each calendar year because the tax does not apply to
a REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY whose only shareholders are segregated asset
accounts of life insurance companies supporting variable life insurance
contracts or variable annuity contracts.
Each of the HLS Funds also intends to comply with Section 817(h) of the
Code and the regulations issued thereunder, which impose certain investment
diversification requirements on life insurance companies' separate accounts
(such as the Accounts) that are used to support variable life insurance
contracts and variable annuity contracts. Such separate accounts may meet these
requirements by investing solely in the shares of a mutual fund registered under
the 1940 Act as an open-end management investment company such as the HLS Funds.
These requirements are in addition to the diversification requirements of
subchapter M and of the 1940 Act, and may affect the securities in which an HLS
Fund may invest. In order to comply with future requirements of Section 817(h)
(or related provisions of the Code), an HLS Fund may be required, for example,
to alter its investment objectives.
The 817(h) requirements place certain limitations on the assets of each
separate account (or underlying mutual fund) that may be invested in securities
of a single issuer. These limitations apply to each HLS Fund's assets that may
be invested in securities of a single issuer. Specifically, the regulations
provide that, except as permitted by a "safe harbor" described below, as of the
end of each calendar quarter, or within 30 days thereafter:
- no more than 55% of a Fund's total assets may be represented by any
one investment
- no more than 70% by any two investments
- no more than 80% by any three investments
- no more than 90% by any four investments
Section 817(h) provides, as a safe harbor, that a separate account will
be treated as being adequately diversified if the diversification requirements
under Subchapter M are satisfied and no more than 55% of the value of the
account's total assets are cash and cash items, government securities, and
securities of other REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES. For purposes of Section
817(h), all securities of the same issuer, all interests in the same real
property project, and all interests in the same commodity are treated as a
single investment. In addition, each U.S. Government agency or instrumentality
is treated as a separate issuer, while the securities of a particular foreign
government and its agencies, instrumentalities, and political subdivisions are
considered securities issued by the same issuer.
Investment income received from sources within foreign countries, or
capital gains earned by an HLS Fund investing in securities of foreign issuers,
may be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. In this regard,
withholding tax rates in countries with which the United States does not have a
tax treaty are often as high as 35% or more. The United States has entered into
tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle the HLS Funds to a reduced
rate of tax or exemption from tax on this related income and gains. The
effective rate of foreign tax cannot be determined at this time since the amount
of these Funds' assets to be invested within various countries is not now known.
The HLS Funds each seek to operate so as to qualify for treaty-reduced rates of
tax when applicable. Owners of variable life insurance and variable annuity
contracts investing in such an HLS Fund bear the costs of any foreign tax, but
are not be able to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction for these foreign
taxes.
An HLS Fund's transactions in options contracts and futures contracts
are subject to special provisions of the Code that, among other things, may
affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund (that is, may
37
affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate recognition
of income to the Fund and defer losses of the Fund. These rules: (1) could
affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to shareholders of an
HLS Fund, (2) could require such an HLS Fund to "mark to market" certain types
of the positions in its portfolio (that is, treat them as if they were closed
out), and (3) may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving cash with
which to make distributions in amounts necessary to satisfy the distribution
requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes described above. To mitigate
the effect of these rules and prevent its disqualification as a REGULATED
INVESTMENT COMPANY, each HLS Fund seeks to monitor its transactions, make the
appropriate tax elections and make the appropriate entries in its books and
records when it acquires any option, futures contract or hedged investment.
If for any taxable year an HLS Fund fails to qualify as a REGULATED
INVESTMENT COMPANY, all of its taxable income becomes subject to federal, and
possibly state, income tax at the regular corporate rates (without any deduction
for distributions to its shareholders). In addition, if for any taxable year an
HLS Fund fails to qualify as a REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY, owners of variable
life insurance contracts and variable annuity contracts who have indirectly
invested in the Fund might be taxed currently on the investment earnings under
their contracts and thereby lose the benefit of tax deferral. Likewise, if an
HLS Fund fails to comply with the diversification requirements of section 817(h)
of the Code and the regulations thereunder, owners of variable life insurance
contracts and variable annuity contracts who have indirectly invested in the
Fund would be taxed on the investment earnings under their contracts and thereby
lose the benefit of tax deferral. Accordingly, compliance with the above rules
is carefully monitored by the Funds' investment advisers and each HLS Fund
intends to comply with these rules as they exist or as they may be modified from
time to time. Compliance with the tax requirements described above may result in
lower total return for an HLS Fund than would otherwise be the case, since, to
comply with the above rules, the investments utilized (and the time at which
such investments are entered into and closed out) may be different from what the
Fund's investment sub-adviser might otherwise select.
As of December 31, 2000, the following HLS Funds have capital loss
carryforwards as indicated below. The capital loss carry over is available to
offset future realized capital gains to the extent provided in the Code and
regulations thereunder.
EXPIRATION DATES:
HLS FUND NAME AMOUNT DECEMBER 31,
------------- ------ -----------------
Global Technology HLS Fund $64,000 2008
High Yield HLS Fund $146,000 2007
High Yield HLS Fund $2,132,000 2008
Bond HLS Fund $12,948,000 2007
Bond HLS Fund $12,693,000 2008
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund $7,251,000 2002
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund $6,081,000 2007
Mortgage Securities HLS Fund $2,016,000 2008
If an HLS Fund acquires stock in certain foreign corporations that
receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as
interest, dividends, rents, royalties or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of
their total assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive
foreign investment companies"), that Fund could be subject to federal income tax
and additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such
companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income
or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or
deduction for such a tax. As a result, owners of variable life insurance
contracts and variable annuity contracts investing in such HLS Funds would bear
the cost of these taxes and interest charges. Certain elections may, if
available, ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election
requires the applicable HLS Fund to recognize taxable income or gain without the
concurrent receipt of cash. Any HLS Fund that acquires stock
38
in foreign corporations may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign
investment companies to minimize its tax liability.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by an HLS Fund in connection
with certain transactions involving non-dollar debt securities, certain foreign
currency futures contracts, foreign currency option contracts, foreign currency
forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in
a foreign currency are subject to Code provisions which generally treats such
gains and losses as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount, timing
and character of distributions to shareholders. Any such transactions that are
not directly related to an HLS Fund's investment in securities (possibly
including speculative currency positions or currency derivatives not used for
hedging purposes) could, under future Treasury regulations, produce income not
among the types of "qualifying income" from which the Fund must derive at least
90% of its annual gross income.
Each HLS Fund that invests in certain PIKs, zero coupon securities or
certain deferred interest securities (and, in general, any other securities with
original issue discount or with market discount if the Fund elects to include
market discount in current income) must accrue income on such investments prior
to the receipt of the corresponding cash. However, because an HLS Fund must meet
the 90% distribution requirement to qualify as a REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY,
it may have to dispose of its portfolio investments under disadvantageous
circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself by borrowing the
cash, to satisfy distribution requirements.
The federal income tax rules applicable to interest rate swaps, caps
and floors are unclear in certain respects, and an HLS Fund may be required to
account for these transactions in a manner that, in certain circumstances, may
limit the degree to which it may utilize these transactions.
INVESTOR TAXATION
Under current law, owners of variable life insurance contracts and
variable annuity contracts and employee benefit plan participants who are
indirectly invested in an HLS Fund generally are not subject to federal income
tax on Fund earnings or distributions or on gains realized upon the sale or
redemption of Fund shares until they are withdrawn from the contract or plan.
FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THE OWNERS OF
VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS AND VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS, SEE THE
PROSPECTUSES FOR SUCH CONTRACTS. FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FEDERAL INCOME
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO PLAN PARTICIPANTS, SEE THE SUMMARY PLAN DESCRIPTION OR
CONTACT YOUR PLAN ADMINISTRATOR.
CUSTODIAN
Portfolio securities of each HLS Fund are held pursuant to Custodian
Agreements between each HLS Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
TRANSFER AGENT
Hartford Investor Services Company, 200 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT
06089, serves as Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent for the HLS Funds. The
Transfer Agent issues and redeems shares of the HLS Funds and disburses any
dividends declared by the HLS Funds.
DISTRIBUTOR
Hartford Securities Distribution Company, 200 Hopmeadow Street,
Simsbury, Connecticut 06089, acts as the HLS Fund's distributor.
39
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The audited financial statements and financial highlights have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as indicated in
their report with respect thereto, and are incorporated by reference herein in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving said report. The
principal business address of Arthur Andersen LLP is One Financial Plaza,
Hartford, Connecticut 06103.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Hartford has granted the Company the right to use the name, "The
Hartford" or "Hartford", and has reserved the right to withdraw its consent to
the use of such name by the Company and the HLS Funds at any time, or to grant
the use of such name to any other company.
The Hartford Index HLS Fund uses the Standard & Poor's 500 Index as its
benchmark. "Standard & Poor's"(R), "S&P"(R), "S&P 500"(R), "Standard & Poor's
500", and "500" are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been
licensed for use by Hartford Life Insurance Company. The fund is not sponsored,
endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P. S&P makes no representation or warranty,
express or implied, to the shareholders of the fund regarding the advisability
of investing in securities generally or in the fund particularly or the ability
of the S&P 500 Index to track general stock market performance. S&P's only
relationship to Hartford Life Insurance Company is the licensing of certain
trademarks and trade names of S&P and of the S&P 500 Index which is determined,
composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the fund or Hartford Life
Insurance Company. S&P has no obligation to take the needs of the fund or its
shareholders, or Hartford Life Insurance Company, into consideration in
determining, composing or calculating the S&P 500 Index. S&P is not responsible
for and has not participated in the determination of the net asset value of the
fund or the timing of the issuance or sale of shares in the fund. S&P has no
obligation or liability in connection with the administration, marketing or
trading of the fund.
In addition, S&P does not guarantee the accuracy and/or the
completeness of the S&P 500 Index or any data included therein and S&P shall
have no liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein. S&P makes
no warranty, express or implied, as to results to be obtained by the fund, its
shareholders or any other person or entity from the use of the S&P 500 Index or
any data included therein. S&P makes no express or implied warranties, and
expressly disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose or use with respect to the S&P 500 Index or any data included
therein. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall S&P have any
liability for any special, punitive, indirect, or consequential damages
(including lost profits), even if notified of the possibility of such damages.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Each HLS Fund's audited financial statements as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2000, together with the notes thereto and report of Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, contained in the HLS Funds' annual
report as filed with the SEC are incorporated by reference into this Statement
of Additional Information.
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APPENDIX A
The rating information which follows describes how the rating services
mentioned presently rate the described securities. No reliance is made upon the
rating firms as "experts" as that term is defined for securities purposes.
Rather, reliance on this information is on the basis that such ratings have
become generally accepted in the investment business.
RATING OF BONDS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("MOODY'S")
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
earning any real investment standing.
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STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION ("STANDARD & POOR'S")
AAA - Bonds rated AAA are the highest grade obligations. Capacity to
pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA - Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
A - Bonds rated A have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the considerable
investment strength but are not entirely free from adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in the highest rated categories.
BBB - Bonds rated BBB and regarded as having an adequate capacity to
pay interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal
for debt in this category then in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C - Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to
pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
RATING OF COMMERCIAL PAPER
Purchases of corporate debt securities used for short-term investment,
generally called commercial paper, will be limited to the top two grades of
Moody's, Standard & Poor's, Duff & Phelps, Fitch Investor Services and Thomson
Bank Watch or other NRSROs (nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations) rating services and will be an eligible security under Rule 2a-7.
MOODY'S
Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a
superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Prime-1
repayment capacity will normally be evidenced by the following characteristics:
- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
- High rates of return on funds employed.
- Conservative capitalization structures with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protection.
- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and
high internal cash generation.
- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and
assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a
strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. This will
normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser
degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more subject
to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be
more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
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Issuers rated Prime-3 (or related supporting institutions) have an
acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations. The
effect of industry characteristics and market composition may be more
pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in
the level of debt protection measurements and the requirement for relatively
high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
STANDARD & POOR'S
The relative strength or weakness of the following factors determines
whether the issuer's commercial paper is rated A-1 or A-2.
- Liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements.
Liquidity ratios are basically as follows, broken down by the type of
issuer:
Industrial Company: acid test ratio, cash flow as a percent of
current liabilities, short-term debt as a percent of current
liabilities, short-term debt as a percent of current assets.
Utility: current liabilities as a percent of revenues, cash
flow as a percent of current liabilities, short-term debt as a
percent of capitalization.
Finance Company: current ratio, current liabilities as a
percent of net receivables, current liabilities as a percent
of total liabilities.
- The long-term senior debt rating is "A" or better; in some
instances "BBB" credits may be allowed if other factors
outweigh the "BBB".
- The issuer has access to at least two additional channels of
borrowing.
- Basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with
allowances made for unusual circumstances.
- Typically, the issuer's industry is well established and the
issuer has a strong position within its industry.
- The reliability and quality of management are unquestioned.
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